Is safer supply safe? Critics say it hooks new users; others argue it saves lives (Times Colonist)

The controversy around giving drug users prescribed alternative drugs like hydromorphone amped up when a B.C. Coroners Service death review panel recommended opening the program up to those without prescriptions.

A Victoria hospitalist is warning that if the province opens up access to a greater variety of highly addictive and potent opioids without a prescription or supervision, new addictions will occur “on a massive scale.”

Dr. Mark Mallet was reacting to a call by chief coroner Lisa Lapointe this month for prescription-free access to a wider array of quality controlled opioids and stimulants to reduce illicit drug overdose deaths ...

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