Grant: Project Grant

Stimulant use is a key driver of morbidity and mortality, including mental health challenges (e.g. psychosis, suicide), infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis C), and other health harms. Despite the significant health burden associated with stimulant use, there are currently few evidence-based treatments for stimulant use disorders (SUD) and little attention has been paid to the integration of these interventions across healthcare and recovery systems. Recent advancements in psycho-social interventions (e.g., contingency management) have shown promise in the treatment of SUD, and several pharmacotherapies (e.g., dexamphetamine, cannabinoids) are being explored. However, there has been a lack of research into the acceptability and feasibility of prospective treatment interventions among stimulant-using populations, and the preparedness of healthcare and recovery systems to implement these interventions. Building upon our extensive experience in examining contextual influences on the health of adult persons who use drugs (PWUD) and drug-using street-involved youth (SY), this project aims to: (1) examine social, structural, and environmental influences on the implementation and effectiveness of current strategies for the management of SUD among PWUD and SY; (2) examine the acceptability and feasibility of prospective pharmacotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of SUD among PWUD and SY; and, (3) explore individual and contextual influences on readiness to adopt prospective pharmacotherapeutic interventions and evidence-based practices for the management of SUD across the health system. This study will be nested within the research and training infrastructure of the BC Centre for Substance Use, and will leverage the relationships of this centre to translate findings into improvements in health planning and systems in relation to stimulant use.