Drug use and health: perspectives of people who inject drugs in Montreal
Introduction. Persons who use drugs by injection (PUDI) face multiple threats to their health and life in addition to being subject to repression and social marginalization. Methodology. A qualitative study was carried out to understand the links that PWID establish between psychoactive substance use and health, as well as to explore how they perceive their own health. Twenty-six one-on-one interviews and two focus groups were conducted with a total of 30 participants. The study took place in three community harm reduction organizations. The data were analyzed thematically. Results. The participants, for the most part, perceive themselves to be in good health, despite their drug consumption or their medical diagnoses. On the other hand, others consider themselves to be in very poor health mainly because of their symptoms, functional limitations, emotional and psychological problems. While drug use can sometimes be part of a self-destructive dynamic, it can also be a way to cope with life challenges and maintain health, including avoiding very trying opioid withdrawal. It is above all the associated lifestyle, such as the quest for the product, sleep deprivation or the severing of ties with relatives, which are all elements perceived as harmful to health. Thus, one of the central objectives expressed by participants in relation to their health is to be able to better control their drug and alcohol use. Conclusion. The fact that many PWID seem to have a desire to have their drug consumption reduced without necessarily aiming for abstinence may help to direct the health and social programs and services intended for them towards a harm reduction approach.