On the successes of the BC opioid substitution treatment system, and how we can build upon them

2014 | BCMJ

Program(s): Epidemiology and Population Health |
Topic(s): Treatment as Prevention® |

Abstract:

Many challenges to delivering health services to individuals with opioid dependence have been overcome in BC with the help of increased access to opioid substitution treatment. Evidence of success is seen in health system data that show increased uptake of opioid substitution treatment and marked improvements in rates of compliance to medication dosing guidelines from 1996 to 2007. Further evidence of success is seen in the fall in new HIV cases in illicit drug users from 352 in 1996 to 29 in 2012. While there are currently no approved forms of pharmacological treatment for stimulant dependence, development efforts to this end continue and may eventually permit successes similar to those seen with opioid substitution treatment. Guided by the successes and lessons learned from the province’s management of opioid dependence, BC is poised to establish itself as a global leader in substance use disorder treatment.

Our work serves clients and communities across British Columbia on lands and waters cared for and nurtured by the many distinct First Nations across the province. The BC-CfE humbly and gratefully acknowledge the stewards of these lands, particularly the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) on whose unceded, traditional and ancestral territories our offices are located.

© Copyright BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
St. Paul's Hospital 608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
Tel: 604-806-8477 | Fax: 604-806-9044
General inquiries: info@bccfe.ca
Media inquiries: communications@bccfe.ca
(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

© Copyright BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
St. Paul's Hospital 608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
Tel: 604-806-8477 | Fax: 604-806-9044
General inquiries: info@bccfe.ca
Media inquiries: communications@bccfe.ca
(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

Our work serves clients and communities across British Columbia on lands and waters cared for and nurtured by the many distinct First Nations across the province. The BC-CfE humbly and gratefully acknowledge the stewards of these lands, particularly the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) on whose unceded, traditional and ancestral territories our offices are located.