Comparing Models for Addiction Services

A comparative analysis of harm reduction and abstinence addiction treatment programs focusing on Peterborough City and County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County has not been done. The present study researched previous studies in the field of addiction services, identifying the available services in the specified regions, surveying those services, and compiling data to determine the gaps in the current services to make future recommendations. This work is critical to addiction service research because substance use is a significant area of concern in the research area and across Canada. The study will aid in the identification and implementation of services needed in the four counties to reduce addiction and indirectly keep addiction-related offenders away from the criminal justice system. A literature review of harm reduction and abstinence was conducted using on-line portals. A questionnaire containing service details, client statistics, and gaps in services was administered to the available service providers and front line services including youth services and hospitals. Results show that individuals face many barriers when dealing with their addictions which include stigma, transportation, financial issues, and wait times for service. The current distribution of services is mostly harm reduction- compared to abstinence-based services but both serve equal males and females. The most prominent substance use is with alcohol, cannabis, and opioids. The significant gaps that currently exist are a lack of communication between services, a lack of funding for additional services, and a lack of residential detoxification centres and addiction supportive housing units.