Effect of modified income assistance payment schedules on substance use service access: Evidence from an experimental study.

Background: Despite being critical to reducing the impacts of poverty internationally, synchronized monthly government income assistance payments are linked to intensified drug use and associated harms, including disrupted access to substance use-related services. This study evaluates whether alternative income assistance distribution schedules improve harm reduction (HR), pharmacotherapy and substance use service utilization.

Methods: This exploratory, parallel group, unblinded, randomized controlled trial analyzed data from adults (n = 192) in Vancouver, Canada receiving income assistance, and reporting active, regular illicit drug use.

Research With Women Who Use Drugs: Applying a Trauma-informed Framework.

Women who use drugs (WWUD) experience high rates of trauma. The complex impacts of trauma can act as a barrier to accessing substance use and harm reduction services, and to participation and representation within substance use research. Trauma-informed practice is an evidence-based approach for improved clinical care among WWUD, the principles of which can be applied to substance use research.

An Acute Care Contingency Management Program for the Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorder: A Case Report.

Background: Illicit stimulants such as crystal methamphetamine and cocaine are a rising cause of morbidity and mortality in North America. Unfortunately, there are few evidence-based approaches for the management of stimulant use disorder. Contingency management programs are currently the best evidenced treatment strategy, designed to reward behavior change and offer competing reinforcers toward the goal of reducing substance use, but these programs are often difficult to access.