Success or failure? Vancouver’s response to the overdose crisis

Abstract

Addiction is a significant public health issue in Canada, with far-reaching impacts on individuals, families, and communities. In Vancouver, fentanyl addiction stands out as one of the most common and pressing challenges. Fentanyl, an opioid notorious by its street name "down," presents grave risks to users. Motivational interviewing therapy emerges as a widely employed approach for addiction treatment, fostering a client-centered relationship conducive to addressing individualized needs effectively. However, the success of motivational therapy hinges on the readiness of clients for change. This study aims to delineate the scope of addiction issues in Vancouver, Canada, particularly concerning fentanyl addiction. The study aims to highlight the undeniable effects of the fentanyl crisis in Vancouver and the approaches frontline workers need to take by examining field studies in the literature and conducting an interview with a frontline worker in addiction services. By exploring the effects of motivational interviewing therapy, the study seeks to. elucidate its benefits and limitations in mitigating the acute physical and emotional distress associated with fentanyl use. Drawing insights from frontline experiences, there is a need for practical guidance on further enhancing addiction treatment approaches, with a focus on improving therapeutic efficacy and responsiveness to the evolving needs of individuals affected by fentanyl addiction. The prevailing system often assesses individuals primarily through a productivity lens, neglecting their inherent humanity. Therefore, a shift towards a more holistic, long-term approach is imperative to address the root causes of addiction effectively.