Farihah Ali
Biographic Data
| ID | 5410959 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Farihah Ali |
| GIVEN NAMES | Farihah |
| FAMILY NAME | Ali |
| SIGNATURE | ALI F |
| AFFILIATIONS | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-2968-3824 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 21 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 1 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 21 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2020 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Policing interactions and outcomes under shifting decriminalization policies in British Columbia
In January 2023, British Columbia (BC) implemented a three-year decriminalisation initiative, removing criminal sanctions for adults possessing up to 2.5 g of certain illegal drugs. In May 2024, the policy was amended, restoring penalties for possession in public spaces. Although these shifting legal frameworks may affect how people who use drugs experience policing, limited research has examined their perspectives. As part of a national evaluati…
The role of oxygen in shelter-based overdose response
BACKGROUND: The toxic drug crisis in Canada is increasingly shaped by a complex and unpredictable unregulated drug supply characterized by polysubstance toxicity, including combinations of opioids and sedating agents that can produce prolonged respiratory depression not fully reversed by naloxone alone. Concurrent reductions in harm reduction infrastructure in Ontario, including the closure of supervised consumption services, may be shifting over…
The short-term impacts of the decriminalization of personal possession of select illegal drugs on drug possession criminal incidents and criminal cases in British Columbia, Canada (2013 to 2023)
Doubts and disconnection
Findings highlight the need for coordinated health services investments and anti-stigma training. Ongoing engagement between policy makers and police is critical to support policy implementation and mitigate premature conclusions about the policy's effectiveness
Framing decriminalization
These findings highlight critical gaps in government communication and the dominance of misrepresentative media framing in shaping public attitudes. Effective drug policy requires not only legislative change but also proactive, coordinated, and sustained public education strategies to counter misinformation, reduce stigma, and build lasting support
Exploring unregulated substance use health data in Ontario, Canada
Canada’s overdose epidemic underscores the urgent need for high-quality, comprehensive, and timely national health data to inform evidence-based policies, population health management, and targeted intervention strategies. Using the province of Ontario, Canada, as a case study, this paper examines the current landscape of unregulated substance use health data, including both administrative and non-administrative health data sources. Health data o…
Changes in the Sex/Gender Gap in Cannabis Use in Ontario, Canada From 2001 to 2019
The Short‐Term Impacts of Decriminalisation of Personal Possession of Select Illegal Drugs on Drug Poisonings in British Columbia, Canada (2015–2023)
Mapping the overdose crisis in Ontario
Sparsely populated and rural PHUs experience the highest burden of opioid-related harms, coupled with limitations in service accessibility, demonstrating a clear need for additional harm reduction services. Decision-makers may be misled into underestimating the crisis in non-urban areas as a result of oversimplified reporting, resulting in inadequate support for these regions. Addressing these disparities is key to reducing opioid-related mortali…
Exploring the early impacts of drug decriminalization on harm reduction and opioid agonist treatment service operations and delivery in British Columbia
Key informants perceived that decriminalization did not lead to immediate changes in HR and OAT site operations. Longstanding systemic barriers continued to limit service capacity and policy impact. Providers highlighted the need for sustained investment in housing, staffing, and supervised spaces to support meaningful engagement and reduce stigma. Addressing these foundational issues was seen as essential for realizing the policy's intended publ…
Experiences of stigmatization among people who use drugs in the initial year of British Columbia's drug decriminalization policy
While decriminalization has the potential to reduce stigma and increase comfort in accessing critical harm reduction and substance use treatment services among people who use drugs, achieving these outcomes requires additional efforts. Public awareness campaigns, targeted anti-stigma education, and broader systemic changes were suggested by participants as essential to address stigmatization in BC. Strengthening these areas could enhance access t…
Perceptions and experiences with police among people who use drugs in the initial year of British Columbia's decriminalization of illegal drugs policy
Research Summary On January 31, 2023, British Columbia (BC) launched a 3‐year pilot initiative decriminalizing the possession of up to 2.5 g of select illegal drugs. The policy aims to reduce stigma, address racial disparities in drug law enforcement, and improve police relations with people who use drugs (PWUD). As part of a national evaluation, we conducted qualitative interviews with 100 PWUD who reported using drugs at least three times a wee…
Examining opioid agonist treatment (OAT) site operations and early signals of change in the first year of British Columbia’s drug decriminalization policy
Despite minimal changes to OAT site operations within the first year of BC's decriminalization policy, findings suggest the need for increased staff training on decriminalization and continued investments into OAT to better support the anticipated demand on services if decriminalization is to successfully reach its goal of improving access to treatment
Effects of cannabis legalisation on patterns of cannabis consumption among adolescents in Ontario, Canada (2001–2019)
The decriminalization of illicit drugs in British Columbia
This evaluation will draw on implementation science research practices to evaluate and understand the full impacts of this novel drug policy experiment. Results will be widely disseminated through manuscripts, reports, presentations, and infographics, which will be adapted and tailored for specific audiences. The protocol identifies several anticipated challenges and limitations. This evaluation's evidence-based findings will be poised to offer p…
Examining inequities in access to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) take-home doses (THD)
The increase in benzodiazepine-laced drugs and related risks in Canada
The overdose crisis in Canada has continuously evolved and is increasingly challenging to contain, while efforts from governments and policymakers to address it have often fallen short and resulted in unintended consequences. One of the main repercussions has been an unprecedented rise in adulterants in the illegal drug supply, including a wide array of pharmacological and psychoactive compounds and chemicals, which has resulted in a progressivel…
A qualitative examination of substance use service needs among people who use drugs (PWUD) with treatment and service experience in Ontario, Canada
This study identified PWUD' needs in relation to substance use service provision in Ontario, Canada, and highlighted important areas for policy change and program planning and implementation. Concrete recommendations include the development of a government-funded, low-barrier, comprehensive and integrated service delivery and referral models that include PWUD as collaborators and program facilitators to ensure that services are as accessible, eff…
Take-home naloxone programs for suspected opioid overdose in community settings
Several recent systematic reviews address the effectiveness of take-home naloxone programs, naloxone dosing/route of administration, and naloxone provision models. Gaps remain in the evidence around evaluating cost-effectiveness, training parameters and strategies, and adverse events following naloxone administration. As THN programs continue to expand in response to opioid overdose deaths, this review will contribute to understanding the evidenc…
Changes in substance supply and use characteristics among people who use drugs (PWUD) during the Covid-19 global pandemic
This study demonstrated the impacts of COVID-19 on PWUD, including a significant disruption substance supply. For many, these changes led to increased use and substitution for toxic and adulterated substances, which ultimately amplified PWUD's risk for experiencing related harms, including overdoses. These findings warrant the need for improved supports and services, as well as accessibility of safe supply programs, take home naloxone kits, and n…
Small communities, large oversight’
Examining opioid agonist treatment (OAT) site operations and early signals of change in the first year of British Columbia’s drug decriminalization policy
Despite minimal changes to OAT site operations within the first year of BC's decriminalization policy, findings suggest the need for increased staff training on decriminalization and continued investments into OAT to better support the anticipated demand on services if decriminalization is to successfully reach its goal of improving access to treatment
Small communities, large oversight’
A qualitative examination of substance use service needs among people who use drugs (PWUD) with treatment and service experience in Ontario, Canada
This study identified PWUD' needs in relation to substance use service provision in Ontario, Canada, and highlighted important areas for policy change and program planning and implementation. Concrete recommendations include the development of a government-funded, low-barrier, comprehensive and integrated service delivery and referral models that include PWUD as collaborators and program facilitators to ensure that services are as accessible, eff…
Take-home naloxone programs for suspected opioid overdose in community settings
Several recent systematic reviews address the effectiveness of take-home naloxone programs, naloxone dosing/route of administration, and naloxone provision models. Gaps remain in the evidence around evaluating cost-effectiveness, training parameters and strategies, and adverse events following naloxone administration. As THN programs continue to expand in response to opioid overdose deaths, this review will contribute to understanding the evidenc…
Changes in substance supply and use characteristics among people who use drugs (PWUD) during the Covid-19 global pandemic
This study demonstrated the impacts of COVID-19 on PWUD, including a significant disruption substance supply. For many, these changes led to increased use and substitution for toxic and adulterated substances, which ultimately amplified PWUD's risk for experiencing related harms, including overdoses. These findings warrant the need for improved supports and services, as well as accessibility of safe supply programs, take home naloxone kits, and n…
The increase in benzodiazepine-laced drugs and related risks in Canada
The overdose crisis in Canada has continuously evolved and is increasingly challenging to contain, while efforts from governments and policymakers to address it have often fallen short and resulted in unintended consequences. One of the main repercussions has been an unprecedented rise in adulterants in the illegal drug supply, including a wide array of pharmacological and psychoactive compounds and chemicals, which has resulted in a progressivel…
Effects of cannabis legalisation on patterns of cannabis consumption among adolescents in Ontario, Canada (2001–2019)
The decriminalization of illicit drugs in British Columbia
This evaluation will draw on implementation science research practices to evaluate and understand the full impacts of this novel drug policy experiment. Results will be widely disseminated through manuscripts, reports, presentations, and infographics, which will be adapted and tailored for specific audiences. The protocol identifies several anticipated challenges and limitations. This evaluation's evidence-based findings will be poised to offer p…
Examining inequities in access to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) take-home doses (THD)
Exploring unregulated substance use health data in Ontario, Canada
Canada’s overdose epidemic underscores the urgent need for high-quality, comprehensive, and timely national health data to inform evidence-based policies, population health management, and targeted intervention strategies. Using the province of Ontario, Canada, as a case study, this paper examines the current landscape of unregulated substance use health data, including both administrative and non-administrative health data sources. Health data o…
Changes in the Sex/Gender Gap in Cannabis Use in Ontario, Canada From 2001 to 2019
The Short‐Term Impacts of Decriminalisation of Personal Possession of Select Illegal Drugs on Drug Poisonings in British Columbia, Canada (2015–2023)
Mapping the overdose crisis in Ontario
Sparsely populated and rural PHUs experience the highest burden of opioid-related harms, coupled with limitations in service accessibility, demonstrating a clear need for additional harm reduction services. Decision-makers may be misled into underestimating the crisis in non-urban areas as a result of oversimplified reporting, resulting in inadequate support for these regions. Addressing these disparities is key to reducing opioid-related mortali…
Exploring the early impacts of drug decriminalization on harm reduction and opioid agonist treatment service operations and delivery in British Columbia
Key informants perceived that decriminalization did not lead to immediate changes in HR and OAT site operations. Longstanding systemic barriers continued to limit service capacity and policy impact. Providers highlighted the need for sustained investment in housing, staffing, and supervised spaces to support meaningful engagement and reduce stigma. Addressing these foundational issues was seen as essential for realizing the policy's intended publ…
Experiences of stigmatization among people who use drugs in the initial year of British Columbia's drug decriminalization policy
While decriminalization has the potential to reduce stigma and increase comfort in accessing critical harm reduction and substance use treatment services among people who use drugs, achieving these outcomes requires additional efforts. Public awareness campaigns, targeted anti-stigma education, and broader systemic changes were suggested by participants as essential to address stigmatization in BC. Strengthening these areas could enhance access t…
Perceptions and experiences with police among people who use drugs in the initial year of British Columbia's decriminalization of illegal drugs policy
Research Summary On January 31, 2023, British Columbia (BC) launched a 3‐year pilot initiative decriminalizing the possession of up to 2.5 g of select illegal drugs. The policy aims to reduce stigma, address racial disparities in drug law enforcement, and improve police relations with people who use drugs (PWUD). As part of a national evaluation, we conducted qualitative interviews with 100 PWUD who reported using drugs at least three times a wee…
Examining opioid agonist treatment (OAT) site operations and early signals of change in the first year of British Columbia’s drug decriminalization policy
Despite minimal changes to OAT site operations within the first year of BC's decriminalization policy, findings suggest the need for increased staff training on decriminalization and continued investments into OAT to better support the anticipated demand on services if decriminalization is to successfully reach its goal of improving access to treatment
Policing interactions and outcomes under shifting decriminalization policies in British Columbia
In January 2023, British Columbia (BC) implemented a three-year decriminalisation initiative, removing criminal sanctions for adults possessing up to 2.5 g of certain illegal drugs. In May 2024, the policy was amended, restoring penalties for possession in public spaces. Although these shifting legal frameworks may affect how people who use drugs experience policing, limited research has examined their perspectives. As part of a national evaluati…
The role of oxygen in shelter-based overdose response
BACKGROUND: The toxic drug crisis in Canada is increasingly shaped by a complex and unpredictable unregulated drug supply characterized by polysubstance toxicity, including combinations of opioids and sedating agents that can produce prolonged respiratory depression not fully reversed by naloxone alone. Concurrent reductions in harm reduction infrastructure in Ontario, including the closure of supervised consumption services, may be shifting over…
The short-term impacts of the decriminalization of personal possession of select illegal drugs on drug possession criminal incidents and criminal cases in British Columbia, Canada (2013 to 2023)
Doubts and disconnection
Findings highlight the need for coordinated health services investments and anti-stigma training. Ongoing engagement between policy makers and police is critical to support policy implementation and mitigate premature conclusions about the policy's effectiveness
Framing decriminalization
These findings highlight critical gaps in government communication and the dominance of misrepresentative media framing in shaping public attitudes. Effective drug policy requires not only legislative change but also proactive, coordinated, and sustained public education strategies to counter misinformation, reduce stigma, and build lasting support
HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk (16 works) · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (13 works) · Medicine (11 works) · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes (11 works) · Decriminalization (9 works) · Poison control (7 works) · Psychiatry (7 works) · Public health (7 works) · Business (5 works) · Drug (5 works)