Harm reduction by a “user-run” organization: A case study of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU)

Kerr, Thomas; Small, Will; Peeace, Wallace; Douglas, David; Pierre, Adam; Wood, Evan

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2006.01.003

Cited by 123 publications

(106 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…This supports earlier claims, such as that made by Kerr, Small, Peeace, Douglas, Pierre, and Wood (2006), where peers in the Downtown Eastside were said to have "demonstrated that drug users can organize themselves and make valuable contributions to their community" (67). In addition, some of the peers have extended their activism by voicing concerns about quality of life issues with respect to injection drug users and residents of the community.…”

Section: Activismsupporting

confidence: 86%

A Case Study of the Transformative Effect of Peer Injection Drug Users in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Canada

Jozaghi

Reid

2014

Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice

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Cette étude fut effectuée pour explorer la manière dont les pairs interviennent pour façonner les réseaux sociaux et saisir l'effet transformateur des interventions menées par des pairs dans le cadre de programmes locaux d'échange de seringues et au sein d'un établissement d'injection supervisé à Vancouver, au Canada. Des entrevues semi-structurées furent menées auprès de pairs bénévoles pendant leurs travaux routiniers. Les entrevues furent analysées de façon thématique au moyen de deux méthodes d'analyse de codage. Les résultats suggèrent que les pairs jouaient d'importants rôles en matière d'éducation et de sécurité et qu'ils pouvaient changer le comportement, l'attitude et l'intention d'utilisateurs de drogues injectables dans la région Downtown Eastside de la ville. De plus, les pairs ont pu rejoindre les personnes qui hésitaient à chercher de l'aide médicale, un logement ou des services de prévention. Les pairs servent d'agents de changement dans le Downtown Eastside permettant de distribuer des renseignements et d'offrir des outils en réduction de risque aux personnes marginalisées. Mots clés : pairs, utilisateur de drogues injectables, établissement d'injection superviséThis study was conducted not only to explore how peers intervene to shape social networks but to capture the transformative role of peer-led intervention by local needle exchange programs and a supervised injection facility in Vancouver, Canada. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with peer volunteers as they were involved in their routine work activities. Interviews were analysed thematically using two methods of coding analysis. Findings suggest that peers were taking on important education and safety roles and were able to alter the behaviour, attitude, and intention of injection drug users within the Downtown Eastside area of the city. Further, peer injection drug users were able to reach individuals who were reluctant to seek medical help, housing, or prevention services. Peers serve as an agent of *Please direct correspondence to Ehsan Jozaghi, change in the Downtown Eastside to disseminate information and riskreduction skills to the most marginalized people.

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Section: Activismsupporting

confidence: 86%

A Case Study of the Transformative Effect of Peer Injection Drug Users in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Canada

Jozaghi

Reid

2014

Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice

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“…Moreover, here drug user organizations have existed since the mid-1990s, though with rather distinct trajectories. Similar to other social movement organizations, drug user organizations reflect their environment (Kerr et al, 2006). This means that even if the Nordic countries resemble each other when it comes to the welfare system, the drug policies have differed from country to country, providing different opportunities and challenges for drug users who have sought to organize.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…We do not propose to offer a full-blown theoretical argument that gives full credit to the different theoretical stances, but rather to formulate some general lessons or theses concerning the character, the strengths, and the weaknesses of these organizations. The article builds on earlier research on drug user organizations in general and the possibilities and influences they have on society (Anker et al, , 2009Herkt, 1993;Kerr et al, 2006;Mold & Berridge, 2008;Van de Wijngaart, 1991). Earlier studies have been comparative in scope, but only few have been comparing drug user organizations in different countries (Anker, 2008;Crofts, Kaldor, Elford, Wodak, & Kidd, 1993;Friedman et al, 1987).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Drug User Organizations in the Nordic Countries—Local, National, and International Dimensions

Frank

Anker

Tammi

2012

Substance Use & Misuse

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The article focuses on drug user organizations that represent and advocate for active "hard drug" users in the Nordic countries. It discusses the opportunities and challenges that these organizations face in their search for legitimacy and political influence. The comparative perspective points at similarities and differences in national contexts that both support and challenges the existence of drug user organizations, including drug policy, social welfare policy, trends in drug use, and organizational conditions. The article also discusses the importance of international network and transnational organizations that support drug user organizations.

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“…See, e.g., Husak (1992 Einstein (in press). See also Crofts and Herkt (1995), Kerr et al (2006), and Hunt, Albert, and Montañés Sánchez (2010 for what in many communities are often claimed to be the deleterious effects of drug use are secondary effects of its criminalization. 3 The argument must be freed from its current social trappings, especially as it can plausibly be argued that greater stigmatization and harm arise from criminalization than from the drug use itself.…”

Section: The Most Fundamental One Concerns Normalizationmentioning

confidence: 96%

Active Drug Users as Social Change Agents: Some Ethical Dimensions

Kleinig

2012

Substance Use & Misuse

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Active drug users-whom I here roughly categorize as habituated, addicted, or dependent (HAD) users who are not currently inclined to abandon their use of such drugs 1 -may desire individually or collectively to assert themselves in the wider social world of work and social policy. Drug-dependent individuals may seek work in harm reduction centers or as custodians, accountants, or doctors. Activist drug user groups may work for legislative change in drug-related policies and social provisions for drug users, such as support groups, injecting rooms, and needle and syringe exchange programs. What ethical challenges does this pose? APPENDIX 2: COMMENTARIES Researchers seek consistency, reliability, and control; whereas the stereotype of drug users is that of inconsistent, unreliable, and out of control. On the basis of drug use treatment and medical models, research programs that in-volve drug users are often designed to control and dictate the behaviors of drug users. This system leads to interactions that perpetuate stereotypes and narrowly prescribed social roles. Moreover, such programs often focus on and Subst Use Misuse Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Ulster at Jordanstown on 11/05/14 For personal use only.

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Harm reduction by a “user-run” organization: A case study of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU)

Cited by 123 publications

References 16 publications

A Case Study of the Transformative Effect of Peer Injection Drug Users in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Canada

A Case Study of the Transformative Effect of Peer Injection Drug Users in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Canada

Drug User Organizations in the Nordic Countries—Local, National, and International Dimensions

Active Drug Users as Social Change Agents: Some Ethical Dimensions

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