• About Us
  • Episodes
  • The Big Story+
  • How to Listen
  • Contact
  • Frequency
  • About Us
  • Episodes
  • The Big Story+
  • How to Listen
  • Contact
  • Frequency

Safe supply and the overdose crisis: An FAQ

May 26, 2023
|
Joe Fish

Harm reduction programs in general tend to be divisive, but safe supply might be the most controversial of them all. It involves providing drug users with, well, drugs—in the hopes they won't use more dangerous ones.

The programs have been criticized by politicians, "exposed" in long newspaper features and serve as an easy target for anyone focused on "getting users off drugs" as a strategy to fight the overdose crisis. The reality is complex, and there's still a lot we don't know. But as overdose deaths continue to break records, we can't afford not to explore every option. So, what is safe supply? Does it work or are the claims made by its opponents true? Or both?

GUEST: Dr. Lindsey Richardson, Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of British Columbia; Canada Research Chair in Social Inclusion and Health Equity

We love hearing from listeners! If you'd like to offer feedback, suggest an episode topic or have a question about this episode or any other, you can find The Big Story on Twitter @thebigstoryfpn, you can email us at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca, and you can call and leave a voicemail at 416-935-5935.

If you'd like to share The Big Story with a friend, you can send them this link, which will allow them to open the podcast in their favourite podcast player.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts

Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Google

RSS Feed

Share:

Click here for a transcription of the podcast.

No transcriptions are available at this time.

Back to top of page

Recent Posts

Why are magic mushroom retail stores popping up across the country?

November 29, 2023

Why are some tenants using the ‘last resort’ of rent strikes?

November 28, 2023

We can genetically modify pests. But should we?

November 27, 2023

RCMP official found guilty of selling intelligence secrets

November 24, 2023

Is this really the end of Ontario’s Beer Store monopoly?

November 23, 2023

What does the government’s new “anti-scab” legislation mean for the labour movement?

November 22, 2023

A guilty verdict, and a community can begin to heal

November 21, 2023

LINKS

  • About Us
  • Episodes
  • Contact
  • Frequency
  • Contest Rules

PODCAST FEEDS

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Google Podcasts
  • RSS Feed

FOLLOW THE BIG STORY

Instagram Twitter Facebook

© 2002-2019 Rogers Media. All Rights Reserved.