BC Centre on Substance Use

UBC experts on decriminalization of hard drugs in B.C.

UBC experts on decriminalization of hard drugs

From Jan. 31, the federal and B.C. governments will decriminalize possession of small amounts of certain drugs—opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy—intended for personal use. UBC experts are available to comment.

Jan 26, 2023

Patients may be at higher risk of overdose when opioid therapy for pain is discontinued

Patients may be at higher risk of overdose when opioid therapy for pain is discontinued

Discontinuing opioids prescribed for chronic pain was associated with increased risk of overdose, according to a new study from the BC Centre on Substance Use and University of British Columbia-Okanagan published today in PLOS Medicine

Dec 1, 2022

UBC experts on the 5-year anniversary of B.C.’s overdose public health emergency

UBC experts on the 5-year anniversary of B.C.’s overdose public health emergency

B.C. declared its drug overdose crisis a public health emergency five years ago Wednesday. The crisis is ongoing, and UBC experts are available to comment.

Apr 13, 2021

UBC experts on overdose deaths in B.C.

UBC experts on overdose deaths in B.C.

B.C.’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe announced today that 2020 was the deadliest year on record for illicit drug overdoses in this province.

Feb 11, 2021

Cannabis could help alleviate depression and suicidality among people with PTSD

Cannabis could help alleviate depression and suicidality among people with PTSD

Cannabis may be helping Canadians cope with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new research suggests.

Nov 5, 2019

UBC researchers help find solutions to the overdose crisis

UBC researchers help find solutions to the overdose crisis

Every day at UBC, researchers are working to gain a deeper understanding of the factors driving the overdose crisis and to determine potential solutions.

Jul 30, 2019