Examining the Perceptions and Experiences of Women & Gender-Diverse People Who Have Survived a Drug Poisonning & Overdose in Edmonton's Inner City

Morris, Heather

doi:https://doi.org/10.7939/83666

Examining the Perceptions and Experiences of Women & Gender-Diverse People Who Have Survived a Drug Poisonning & Overdose in Edmonton's Inner City

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Primary Morris-PEG-2025-Redacted.pdf (2.05 MB)

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7939/83666

Date

2025-03-11

Author(s)

Morris, Heather

Contributor(s)

Auger, Sarah
Hyshka, Elaine
Salvalaggio, Ginetta

Description

SSHRC PEG awarded 2025: Women and gender diverse persons (womxn) who use drugs experience a complex interplay of social, psychological, economic, and cultural factors, with distinct patterns of drug use, health risks, and structural vulnerabilities when compared to men. They fac-e unique experiences of stigma and discrimination rooted in gender inequities, which can dramatically affect their access to healthcare and social support and negatively impact their risk of drug poisoning/overdose. Very few studies have explored the perceptions and experiences of individuals who have experienced a drug poisoning/overdose and there is a paucity of gender-specific research. A recent cross-sectional study of people who use drugs in Edmonton's inner city undertaken by members of our research team found that 168/499 participants (33.7%) identified as female (7/499 or 1.4% gender diverse). A total of 56/168 (33.3%) of women and 3/7 (43%) of gender diverse people indicated that they had overdosed in the past 6 months. While womxn are at risk, they have not received sufficient targeted attention with respect to the toxic drug crisis. This research seeks to provide an evidence base with which to guide a more gender-specific response. We will use narrative research paired with arts-based methods to explore how experiences of drug poisoning/overdose as described by womxn in Edmonton's inner city are shaped by gender and its intersection with structural disadvantages. More specifically, our research objectives are to: 1) Inquire into the subjective experiences of drug poisoning/overdose as described by womxn (including the circumstances that precipitated drug poisoning/overdose and its impacts); 2) Map the current health and social service utilization patterns of womxn; 3) Identify the need for gender-sensitive and gender-specific programs and policies for womxn; and 4) Examine the strengths that womxn possess as survivors of dmg poisoning/overdose. We will utilize culturally appropriate methods that are grounded in a trauma and violence-informed approach. This project will generate evidence to guide practices aimed at supporting womxn who use drugs. We will contribute to the development of gender-sensitive and gender-specific policies while enriching public awareness about the struggles that womxn who use drugs face in light of the current and ongoing drug poisoning crisis.