Conference Agenda

Novel psychoactive substance (NPS) use has been challenging the treatment systems globally, and few studies are available on recovery processes. This study utilized an initial sample of 77 NPS users. Foley Life Interview was conducted at the beginning of the treatment and a year later. In this study, we focus on the changes in ten respondents’ high, nadir and turning point episodes. The respondents were NPS and polydrug users, received treatment in a therapeutic community (TC) and are abstinent. The information power of this sample is strong (narrow research aim, highly specific sample, a combination of deductive and inductive directions and strong dialogue). We used Narrative Oriented Inquiry, focussing on the themes/events and the narrative mode. The first episodes were mostly characterized by substance-related losses, concurrently seeing use as the best in life, chaos, distancing, denial, and an impoverished social milieu. A year later, respondents learned to use TCs’ cultural stock of stories. Many interviewees identified entering the TC and commitments to sobriety as high points/turning points. They openly expressed their emotions related to previous traumas. Changes involved a more reflective and responsible attitude (self-care/caring about others), and the broadening of a healing social network.

Canada has one of the highest rates of cannabis use worldwide and it is highest among youth. In 2018, Canada legalized recreational cannabis use with aims of protecting youth, restricting access, and reducing criminalization of BIPOC youth. As a 5-year mark, we wondered if the legalization has achieved these aims by exploring how youth, parents, and service providers perceive youth cannabis use in Canada since legalization. This qualitative study used community-based participatory research in partnership with Families for Addiction Recovery founded by parents of youth with addiction concerns. An individual interview with 88 participants (n=31 youth, n=26 parents, n=31 service providers) led to the following themes: (1) concerns about risks and harms of youth cannabis use, of minimized, (2) stigma has reduced, but not for youth of equity deserving groups, (3) youth are using cannabis to cope with mental health concerns, (4) public education on youth cannabis use is minimal, (5) service providers lack training and education, (6) inequitable access to mental health and addiction services, (7) cannabis use is not screened or addressed by most service providers, (8) parents are often excluded from treatment, and (9) there is a need for youth-centred harm reduction strategies for cannabis use.

‘Chicks Day’ refers to the name of the only women-exclusive needle and syringe exchange programme in Budapest, Hungary, which ran once-weekly services from 2010 to 2014 on top of other harm reduction services open to people of all genders. The research discussed in this presentation took place during the final ten months of the harm reduction centre being open. The main objective of the research was to understand both clients and workers understandings of 'harm' and 'harm reduction' through the use of participatory action research and creative methods. The methodological approach of photovoice was used by way of researcher-led photovoice training workshops, participant-generated images, individual photo elicitation interviews, and group photo elicitation focus groups, as well as ethnographic observation. As photovoice is situated within participatory action research, the action-based output from this research came in the form of a public photo exhibition and fundraiser for Chicks Day. This presentation considers researcher reflexivity and the ethical challenges of employing participatory methods with the vulnerable populations. As well, this presentation critically discusses the power dynamics of research, and whether the claim to redress power imbalances or ‘give voice’ to such imbalances through the use of photovoice is justified.

The presentation will examine the social aspects of security for families living in extreme poverty during the Covid-19. Using a qualitative method, we will analyse the relationship between the macro and micro social dimensions of security, and the relationships between the micro dimensions. The latter dimensions are described with a focus on the labour market situation of families, their mental health situation and their educational situation.

In the first phase of the study, social problems were collected on the basis of interviews with experts. In the second phase, 50 disadvantaged people were interviewed individually.

In general, it can be concluded that the daily life of people living in disadvantaged areas has been further affected by the pandemic. The labour market situation has changed and, in this context, the financial situation of the interviewees has further deteriorated. Single-parent families were particularly affected by these problems. The reduction in social life has led to an increase in domestic violence. In some areas, the number of births in disadvantaged families has increased, especially among minors. In fact, the epidemic has brought to the surface the problems that disadvantaged people face on a daily basis: unemployment and deprivation, compounded by educational underachievement.