Limits of the Risk Environment Framework in Drug Use Research
Author Information
Author(s): Tyson Kelsall Singh, Jenn McDermid, Echo Vieira, AJ Withers, Vince Tao, Jackie Dives, Tara Myketiak, Nanky Rai, Jake Palmour Seaby, Mathew Fleury
Primary Institution: Simon Fraser University
Hypothesis
The risk environment framework (REF) has critical limitations in addressing the systemic issues surrounding drug use and related harms.
Conclusion
The study argues for a shift from the risk environment framework to more transformative approaches in drug policy research to effectively address the harms caused by prohibitionist policies.
Supporting Evidence
- The risk environment framework has been a dominant tool in drug policy research for nearly two decades.
- Research using the REF often overlooks the systemic issues that contribute to drug-related harms.
- Alternatives to the REF are proposed to better address the complexities of drug use and its societal impacts.
Takeaway
This study looks at how the way we think about drug use can sometimes blame the people using drugs instead of the systems that hurt them, and suggests we need to change our approach to help them better.
Methodology
This is a critical narrative review analyzing the risk environment framework's application in drug policy research.
Potential Biases
The framework may perpetuate biases by framing drug users as responsible for their circumstances without addressing the structural factors at play.
Limitations
The study primarily critiques the risk environment framework for its narrow focus on individual behaviors and its failure to address broader systemic issues.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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