Nothing About Us Without Us

PWUS (People Who Use substances) have faced systemic injustices for generations. The war on drugs IS a war on drug users- misinformation and racial and social biases have long supported mass discrimination towards an entire population of innocent community members. Activists, (often with lived experience) are fighting for the liberation of PWUS. The seemingly tolerable oppression and hatred towards our people have resulted in harms that are stealing the lives of our loved ones, decimating our community and ripping apart our families and lives.

We deserve safety, dignity and wellbeing- and are fighting for inclusion in decisions that impact our lives and community. - we are the experts with the know how to make a difference.

PACK Priorities

Harm Reduction Based

PACK believes that substance use happens on a spectrum with countless unique experiences and outcomes.

Flawed policy, biased systems and oppression create hardships and challenges that make life for PWUS difficult, we believe "recovery" is a personal definition and we are NOT an abstinence-based organization- we strive to meet people where they are at on their journey- without judgment.

Evidence-Based

PACK recognizes that the war on drugs has promoted a false narrative that creates backlash and hatred towards PWUS. Standards and laws have been created, implemented and justified based more on stereotypes and social biases. Current practices rarely reflect expert recommendations. Research and evidence are too often ignored and harmful policies and practices are the norm.

Indigenous Centered

The harms that PWUS face are universal- but priority of care and support must reflect the amount of risk experienced by various populations. The war on drugs is a colonial and violent assault on individuals, community and culture. The rates of child apprehension, ministry scrutiny, criminalization and even death are greatly disproportion leaving Indigenous individual at increased risk.

Trauma Informed

We do not use the language of "war on drugs" lightly. PWUS are dying of completely preventable deaths.

We also exist in a reality where we are forced to face the truth that the majority of those around us see us as immoral, unethical and unworthy of safety and life. PACK recognizes that many of our people are walking wounded- and they deserve judgment free love and support.

Empowering People Who Use Substances: A Community Approach

In recent years, the conversation around substance use has shifted dramatically. Instead of viewing individuals who use substances solely through a lens of stigma and judgment, many communities are beginning to embrace a more compassionate and supportive approach. This shift recognizes that substance use is often intertwined with complex social, economic, and psychological factors and impacted by systemic and historical harms, such as policy failure and racism. By adopting a community-oriented, evidence-based and harm reduction centered approach, we can empower individuals who use substances, helping them to reclaim their sense of self worth and foster healthier perspectives and health outcomes.

Fostering Inclusivity

Creating an inclusive environment is crucial for empowering individuals who use substances. Communities can:

Celebrate diversity by recognizing the unique experiences of different groups and individuals.
Ensure that actions safely center the needs of populations that face increased risk of harm.
Involve individuals with lived experience in decision-making processes and at every level of organizing.
Ensure that support services are accessible to all, regardless of background.
Work with solidarity alongside other marginalized populations who are fighting for liberation and equity.

Understanding Substance Use Better

Substance use is a multifaceted issue that affects millions of people worldwide and has been a documented human behavior through all of human history. It encompasses a range of experiences. From casual/recreational, medicinal use to chaotic or problematic use, understanding the underlying causes of the harms associated with substance use is crucial for developing effective support systems.

The Spectrum of Substance Use

Casual Use: Many individuals use substances recreationally without experiencing negative consequences.
Medicinal Use: Some may use substances to help address underlying issues they experience or because they feel it benefits them in their daily life.
Problematic Use: Even if someone feels substance use has benefits, there are harms that impact substance users. From the toxic drug supply, to criminalization, stigma and harmful drug policies- it is important to identify where these harms originate from as to not blame the substance user or even the substance being used.

Recognizing where someone falls on this spectrum is essential for providing appropriate support.

Art By Haawkfeather Peterson

Practical Strategies for Change

A Call to Action

Creating a legacy of change

The liberation of PWUS requires empowering individuals who use substances who can champion efforts to draw attention to our messaging.

Here are some actionable steps to consider:

Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding substance use and its complexities can help reduce harms and encourage equity.
Get Involved: Volunteer with local organizations that support individuals who use substances.
Advocate for Change: Support policies that promote harm reduction and access to resources for individuals in need.
Correct misinformation when you hear it- stay informed with current standards and evidence and use your knowledge to reframe harmful ideology.

Promoting Open Dialogue

Encouraging open conversations about substance use can help reduce discrimination and foster understanding.

Recommendations-

Host PWUS led workshops and seminars to educate the public.
Create safe spaces for individuals to share their stories without fear of judgment.
Involve local PWUS & allied stakeholder leaders and influencers to advocate for a compassionate approach.

Implementing Harm Reduction Programs

Harm reduction programs focus on minimizing negative experiences and harms rather than pushing for abstinence.

Examples include:

Needle Exchange/harm reduction supply Programs: These initiatives provide supplies, including needles (rigs), pipes and various equipment that helps reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
Safe Consumption Spaces/OPSs: Facilities that allow individuals to use substances in a supervised environment, reducing the risk of overdose.

Service Providing Access to

Resources

Have empowering and strength based material available for reading and education. Turn to organizations and groups that are active in the fight for liberation of PWUS and seek out any materials they may have available.
Provide harm reduction supplies if possible- offered without judgment in stigma free settings,
Display art work that frames the strength and resiliency of PWUS.
Turn to Indigenous knowledge keepers and Elders who can help hold sacred space in grounded and supported settings for events and discussions.