Image: Srdjan Randjelovic / Dreamstime / Part of a study focusing on the plight of substance abuse in Abbotsford submits a lack of resources and housing options are barriers exacerbating the unregulated drug crisis.

By Don Mitchell

Substance abuse

Lack of treatment, housing options exacerbating substance abuse crisis in Abbotsford: study

Sep 8, 2024 | 7:39 AM

ABBOTSFORD – A preliminary study focusing on the plight of users in Abbotsford suggests that the toxicity of street substances and a lack of resources are barriers exacerbating the unregulated drug crisis.

City councillors are set to see preliminary results from a Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes mapping project on Tuesday, which characterizes the region’s fight against drugs from the perspective of frontline workers.

The examination draws from 49 participants with connections to 25 organizations and emphasizes that a lack of treatment and housing options, as well as delays in getting help, are compounding the ongoing problem.

“The totality contributes to an overall ‘vortex effect’ that keeps people trapped in cycles of illicit substance use and deprivation with little to no hope of ever getting out,” researchers said in the report.

“Overall, while many frontline workers have access to support, they are experiencing considerable feelings of hopelessness that are also reflected in the journeys of their clients.”

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A Canada-wide housing crisis is also being cited as a factor in the failure to stabilize clients affected by drugs, noting limited capacity in detox and treatment centers and sober housing.

“I know treatment centers work very diligently in creating housing plans,” said an anonymous study participant. “But with the housing crisis, I can see that being a very difficult effort.”

“It’s just, I guess, luck and timing—like is there going to be a bed open? Because if there’s not, it’s, ‘There’s nothing we can do about that, and you’re just going to have to sit tight and wait,’” another survey respondent said.

Image: Abbotsford Journey Mapping Project / A graphic from a preliminary findings report that continues to map the plight of those affected by substance abuse in Abbotsford.

In January, coroner Lisa Lapointe revealed that the city experienced its second-highest number of fatal drug poisonings in 10 years.

Some 90 people died in 2023, which was only eclipsed by the 92 who succumbed to substance abuse in 2022.

Provincial data estimates the death rate at around 51.4 per 100,000 population in Abbotsford.

A future consultation with other community stakeholders, such as the Abbotsford Drug War Survivors, Abbotsford ACCESS, the Fraser Health Authority, and BC Housing, is expected to complete the report.

Researchers are hoping to share their findings with the community at large through a video documentary.