Harm reduction not enough to support those struggling with addictions, say front-line workers

An opioid replacement program in downtown Fredericton has been granted a one-year extension by Health Canada, allowing the River Stone Recovery Centre to continue operating until March 2025. Despite facing increased opposition from local business owners and residents, the clinic remains committed to providing a medical alternative to the toxic unregulated drug supply that plagues many individuals struggling with addiction.

Dr. Sara Davidson, the clinic’s director, emphasizes the importance of offering opioid agonist therapy as a means of reducing the risk of death or overdose, as well as steering individuals away from criminal activity. River Stone Recovery Centre is one of five federally funded sites in Canada that provides this type of treatment and is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada.

While Davidson acknowledges that a safe supply of medication is just one aspect of the solution, she also stresses the need for additional support in areas such as mental health services and housing. Julian Somers, a clinical psychologist with over 35 years of experience in addiction and mental health, echoes this sentiment, stating that opioid replacement drugs should be just a small part of a comprehensive intervention that includes long-term support for reintegration into society.

Somers points out that harm reduction programs, while well-intentioned, may fall short in achieving meaningful transformation without a holistic approach to addressing the root causes of addiction and homelessness. He warns that solely providing drugs to individuals in crisis may lead to backlash against such programs in the long run.

The River Stone Recovery Centre has received $6.7 million in funding from Health Canada since 2020, with a focus on monitoring progress and financial management. Despite the success of the clinic in treating opioid addiction, there are calls for more robust recovery efforts, particularly in the realm of housing and mental health services.

Warren Maddox, the executive director of Fredericton Homeless Shelters Inc., emphasizes the need for increased focus on recovery services, citing decades of neglect in building public housing and addressing mental health issues. He warns that the current level of support is inadequate and that a potential crisis looms on the horizon if more proactive measures are not taken.

The River Stone Recovery Centre offers various treatment options for opioid addiction, including injectable and oral opioid agonist therapy. Patients receive medications such as hydromorphone, methadone, suboxone, or kadian, depending on their needs. The clinic serves approximately 200 patients across the province and provides them with the necessary support to address their health and social issues.

Davidson stresses the importance of integrating services and breaking down silos within the government to ensure that individuals in crisis have access to comprehensive care. By focusing on pathways to community membership and reducing reliance on pharmaceuticals, the clinic hopes to provide a more sustainable solution to the opioid crisis in Fredericton and beyond.