Peer-engagement and its role in reducing the risky behavior among crack and methamphetamine smokers of the Downtown Eastside community of Vancouver, Canada.
The role of peers (former or current drug users) in reducing risky behavior within methamphetamine and crack smokers has not been well described or researched. The current study not only explores the role of peers in reducing risk factors for morbidity within the illicit drug smoking population in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community of Vancouver but it also investigates the changes in the nature of drug use after the closure of an unsanctioned smoking facility.



The data pertain to qualitative interviews with 10 peers and 10 illicit drug smokers. The semi-structured interviews were conducted through community-based research, and the digital transcripts were analyzed via NVivo 10 software.



The results indicate that peers (former and current drug users who are employed as educators) are instrumental in transferring risk reduction knowledge within crack and methamphetamine smokers. For example, these peers have been able to teach users about the risk of sharing pipes, using brillo, and using public drug. Furthermore, the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users provides employment for crack and methamphetamine users in Vancouver who tend to have scarce sources of employment. However, since the closure of the unsanctioned inhalation facility, there has been significantly more public drug use and pipe sharing in the vicinity of the facility, placing drug smokers at significant risk of arrest, violence, and blood-borne infections.



The current study recommends expanding the harm reduction peer network for people who smoke illicit drugs in the DTES community of Vancouver who have historically been underserved.
BC Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 4R4, British Columbia, Canada.
Ehsan
E
Jozaghi
Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, 380 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, V6A 1P4, British Columbia, Canada.
Hugh
H
Lampkin
School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada. andresen@sfu.ca.
Martin A
MA
Andresen
D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001955:British Columbia / Q000453:epidemiology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D005260:Female; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008694:Methamphetamine; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D000067074:Peer Influence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D008694:Methamphetamine
Advocacy; Crack; HIV; Hepatitis C; Methamphetamine; Peers, the Downtown Eastside; People who smoke drugs; VANDU