Prescribed Alternatives Programs: Emerging Evidence - May 2025 update

This document is a brief summary of the current evidence about prescribed alternatives programs for lay audiences, political briefings, and the media. It draws on findings from peer-reviewed research articles and commentaries, as well as program evaluation reports of prescribed safer supply programs in Canada. It looks at evidence relating to the period between 2020 and 2025, when Health Canada Substance Use and Addiction Program (SUAP) funded pilot projects across the country and when BC implemented Risk Mitigation Guidance to support social distancing during COVID-19 and also reduce risks associated with withdrawal and drug toxicity from unregulated substances.

This document was first released in 2023 and was updated in May 2025. It will be updated again in January 2025.