2025/06/27 by Timothy Piatkowski, Emma Kill, Chloe Keating +1 · 1 voice
Health Professions · Medicine · #HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk #Mental Health and Patient Involvement #Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
paper · doi:10.1177/00220426251356909
crossref issued 2025/06/27 · crossref published 2025/06/27 · crossref published-online 2025/06/27 · openalex publication_date 2025/06/27 · crossref created 2025/06/27 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · crossref deposited 2026/04/30 · crossref indexed 2026/07/30 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
The criminalisation of drug use and stigma create barriers to healthcare and harm reduction, limiting access due to fear of legal consequences and mistrust of health services. Queensland’s Drug Diversion Program (DDP) aims to address these issues by redirecting people into support services. This study explored the lived-living experiences of people who use drugs, assessing their perceptions of the DDP through semi-structured interviews with 30 participants (Mean age = 28, SD = 4.6; 25 men, 5 women). Key themes included: societal and familial challenges before program entry, positive reception of diversion, mixed experiences with health services, and post-program outcomes emphasising accessibility and personalisation. Findings highlight that stigma, criminalisation, and service gaps shape how participants access care. While the DDP builds trust and offers critical support, limitations in awareness and cultural responsiveness remain. Enhancing program flexibility and visibility, alongside broader reform, is key to improving outcomes.