Canadian Journal Addiction Medicine - Canadian Harm Reduction ...
Canadian Journal Addiction Medicine - Canadian Harm Reduction ...
Canadian Journal Addiction Medicine - Canadian Harm Reduction ...
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
the<br />
<strong>Canadian</strong> <strong>Journal</strong> of<br />
<strong>Addiction</strong> <strong>Medicine</strong><br />
an official publication of the <strong>Canadian</strong> Society of <strong>Addiction</strong> <strong>Medicine</strong><br />
been sustained. The program was only funded for the first<br />
three years; however, it remains in place due to the important<br />
benefits seen by community members and workers. To date,<br />
approximately 150 people have been trained.<br />
In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that the implementation<br />
of a community-based naloxone program is possible in a<br />
<strong>Canadian</strong> setting. These programs have the potential to reduce<br />
overdose deaths and drug use among trained participants.<br />
Further study and more systematic tracking of participants<br />
and outcomes are needed.<br />
Table I: Demographics of Participants of a Community-based Naloxone Program<br />
Variable<br />
N (%) or Mean (± SD)<br />
Male gender 30 (60%)<br />
Age<br />
45.1 (± 8.6) years<br />
Ethnicity<br />
White/British/Commonwealth 20 (40%)<br />
First Nations (status) 12 (24%)<br />
Métis 11 (22%)<br />
Other 7 (14%)<br />
Employment Status<br />
Highest Level of Education<br />
Disabled<br />
Unemployed<br />
Working full-time<br />
Working part-time<br />
Student<br />
Other<br />
High school<br />
College or University<br />
Grade School<br />
Elementary<br />
21 (42%)<br />
12 (24%)<br />
5 (10%)<br />
1 (2%)<br />
1 (2%)<br />
10 (20%)<br />
23 (46%)<br />
20 (40%)<br />
6 (12%)<br />
1 (2%)<br />
Table II: Drug use Patterns and Experience with Overdose of Study Participants<br />
Variable N (%)<br />
Opiate Use during the past 6 months * :<br />
Morphine<br />
Oxycodone<br />
Codeine<br />
Hydromorphone<br />
Methadone<br />
Heroin<br />
Propoxyphene<br />
Other drug use during the past 6 months * :<br />
Crack<br />
Benzodiazepines<br />
Marijuana<br />
Alcohol<br />
Cocaine<br />
Methamphetamines<br />
Experience with overdose<br />
Ever overdosed themselves<br />
Ever seen anyone else overdose<br />
Ever been given naloxone<br />
*<br />
Totals N> 50 due to concurrent use of multiple opioids and other drug classes.<br />
40 (80%)<br />
31 (62%)<br />
29 (58%)<br />
27 (54%)<br />
25 (50%)<br />
10 (20%)<br />
6 (12%)<br />
42 (84%)<br />
32 (64%)<br />
29 (58%)<br />
25 (50%)<br />
25 (50%)<br />
16 (32%)<br />
39 (78%)<br />
46 (92%)<br />
9 (18%)<br />
Volume 3 No. 2<br />
7