About us
About Us
The Prescribed Alternative program (Safer Supply Ottawa) is a collaboration between multiple organizations and healthcare professionals across the national capital region. The program was established in 2020 as part of a project to address the overwhelming need to introduce a new, intuitive, and patient-centered approach to the drug poisoning crisis. The team works together and with the region’s healthcare and social support organizations to care for persons who use drugs. The team is dedicated to harm reduction and trailblazing a path forward to create a safer community for everyone.
What is Prescirbed Alternatives?
Prescribed Alternatives, commonly known as Safer Supply, is a harm reduction program with a public health approach, which involves prescribing persons who use drugs a pharmaceutical alternative to the illicit toxic drug supply. This allows individuals to use drugs of known quantity and composition, which significantly reduces the risk of overdose, hospitalization, and complications related to drug use. The focus of Prescribed Alternatives is harm reduction; it is not meant to be a means of treatment and it still comes with risks. Currently, pharmaceutical alternatives are prescribed for both stimulants and opiates.
The term “Safer Supply” was coined by a group of activists and persons who use drugs, and subsequently adopted by healthcare professionals and healthcare organizations. The use of opiates, both illicit and pharmaceutical, always carries some degree of risk. The term addresses this concern, however, also acknowledges that a drug that is of known quality, composition and potency is safer than a drug from the illicit supply. Visit here for more information about the development safer supply.
Its important to note that Prescribed Alternatives is more than just prescribing. Individuals accessing Safer Supply harm reduction often require stabilization through focus on disparity in the social determinants of health. Many programs offer a robust wraparound care system which involves services such as mental health support, primary care, housing support, infectious disease management, and more!
The term “Safer Supply” was coined by a group of activists and persons who use drugs, and subsequently adopted by healthcare professionals and healthcare organizations. The use of opiates, both illicit and pharmaceutical, always carries some degree of risk. The term addresses this concern, however, also acknowledges that a drug that is of known quality, composition and potency is safer than a drug from the illicit supply. Visit here for more information about the development safer supply.
Its important to note that Prescribed Alternatives is more than just prescribing. Individuals accessing Safer Supply harm reduction often require stabilization through focus on disparity in the social determinants of health. Many programs offer a robust wraparound care system which involves services such as mental health support, primary care, housing support, infectious disease management, and more!
Safer Supply Guiding Principles
1
People who use drugs are experts
People who use drugs are knowledgeable about the culture of drug use and their own goals and needs. Collaborating with people who use drugs is critical to developing successful programs and strategies to address the overdose crisis. Their expertise should guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of Safer Supply programs.
2
Participant-led and participant-centered care delivery
The program will aim to support people to meet their current goals for drug use with the fewest risks possible. Any drug use comes with inherent risks. Our aim is to provide compassionate and equitable health care to people who use drugs.
3
Harm reduction
The program recognizes that drug-related harms stem from several different sources, including from criminalization. It aims to reduce some of the harms associated with drug use by providing a safer drug supply. Clinicians will respect people’s autonomy and choices around drug use and accessing healthcare.
4
Low-barrier care
The program is meant to be as accessible as possible. Clinicians will strive to meet participant needs and ensure access to care through flexibility, problem solving and collaboration.
5
Non-punitive approach
Missed doses or assessments or continued illicit drug use will be addressed through dialogue and support and will not result in discharge from the program.
Prescribed Alternatives are a harm reduction tool to reduce the risk of overdose from the toxic illicit supply. As with any medication, Prescribed Alternatives carry inherent risks and should only be used as directed by the individual for whom it is prescribed.