Click the play button to hear Tonya’s experience.

Recently, I had the opportunity to share my lived experience as part of a town hall focused on the hospital care of people who use drugs (PWUD). The event was part of a broader report conducted by the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, which examined the barriers, challenges, and opportunities for improving hospital care for individuals like me.

As a participant, I shared my personal experiences through a voice clip, and it was a powerful reminder of the systemic issues that many people in my community face daily.

The Impact of Stigma in Healthcare

One of the most significant challenges discussed during the town hall was the stigma that PWUD experience in healthcare settings. Far too often, individuals who use drugs are treated as if their health concerns are secondary or self-inflicted. This stigma can be deeply hurtful and discouraging, especially when we are in vulnerable situations, seeking care for pain, illness, or injury.

Unfortunately, the healthcare system’s bias often leads to dismissiveness from healthcare providers, which can discourage PWUD from seeking care in the future.

This stigma has real, harmful consequences. In my own experiences, I’ve been met with judgment, assumptions, and even outright discrimination when seeking medical attention. The lack of understanding from healthcare providers can make a difficult situation even worse.

It’s not just about being treated like a second-class citizen—it’s about being denied the care and empathy that every patient deserves.

Inadequate Pain Management for PWUD

Another critical issue raised during the town hall was inadequate pain management for PWUD. Too often, healthcare providers assume that people who use drugs are seeking prescriptions or that they exaggerate their pain.

This assumption not only undermines our pain but also diminishes our credibility as patients. From my own experience, I’ve been made to feel like I have to prove my pain is real, which is a deeply frustrating and demoralizing experience.

Hope for Change: Key Recommendations

However, there is hope. The report highlights several key recommendations to address these issues, and many of them resonate deeply with me.

1. Implementing Trauma-Informed Care

Healthcare providers must understand the complex history of trauma that many PWUD face and approach care with empathy and understanding. By adopting this approach, hospitals can provide a more supportive, compassionate environment that respects the dignity of all patients, regardless of their drug use history.

2. Prescriber Education & Training

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers need more training in understanding the experiences of PWUD and how to treat them with the respect they deserve. By implementing this training, the healthcare system can begin to break down the barriers of stigma and build trust with the communities that need care the most.

A Call for Urgent Action

Ultimately, my participation in this report reinforced just how critical it is for healthcare systems to change. The conversations held during the town hall were not just about identifying problems—they were about solutions.

It’s about fostering a healthcare environment where everyone, including PWUD, can feel safe, heard, and supported. It’s time for the healthcare system to evolve, to treat all individuals with dignity, and to ensure that no one is left behind.

As someone who has experienced these challenges firsthand, I feel a deep sense of urgency to see these recommendations put into action. It’s not just about policy changes—it’s about saving lives, building trust, and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they deserve.

View the report HERE

Published On: March 9th, 2025 / Categories: Drug Policy & Harm Reduction /

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