Headlines have been flooded with sensational titles such as “too toxic to touch” or “overdose crisis is ‘our ebola,’” heavily focused on the harms of the “silent killer.”
What more might we expect? Fentanyl is the current hot drug topic. There is no doubt that significant and lasting harms are occurring due to the increased presence of fentanyl.
However, we must be careful about reactionary attitudes that further stigmatize and point to a problem with a “drug” — in this case, fentanyl.
The recent coverage of the fentanyl crisis seems to miss asking the question, “why are people using?”
Only highlighting the harms does not make any impact on the problematic use and overdoses that continue to occur.
Highly reactive campaigns focus on the tragic and extreme consequences. History teaches us that fear-based approaches have not been effective in preventing problematic substance use.
If anything, it can cause detrimental outcomes. Note the recent report that UBC students are not accessing lifesaving overdose response (Naloxone) kits for fear of identifying with “drug users.”
This is why prevention priorities in Richmond have shifted away from programs that focus on the dangers of substances. Instead, Richmond needs to be pushing an agenda of creating healthy and whole individuals, families and communities who are ready and willing to support the (often) marginalized individuals who are using and overdosing on drugs such as fentanyl.
When people feel supported, empowered, connected, and valued, substance use drops. Yes, harm reduction strategies are necessary for those who are actively using.
However, in response to the prevalence of drugs such as fentanyl, the best prevention conversations that can be happening are about how we can include and support everyone from all life scenarios, and champion healthy and whole individuals and communities.
When these conversations do not occur, we find people suffer. Let’s consider the conditions in people’s lives that create motivation to use substances where great risk is involved.
Why people are using is answered when we ask if people feel connected and supported. How do we develop and share skills to practice emotional, social, spiritual, and physical health? Are we creating conditions for all individuals to thrive?
Fentanyl is indeed dangerous, and precautions must be taken for active users to stay safe. Yet, if we really endeavor to prevent overdoses, let alone illicit drug use to begin with, let us engage in the vital conversation of what is happening in people’s lives and how Richmond can collectively create and participate in a society where all people are supported and included.
Jaclyn Chang and Danny Taylor are addiction specialists at Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS)
