Charlene is a PWUD who has used drugs for 31 years, including alcohol, marijuana, psychedelics (magic mushrooms and LSD) and stimulants (crack-cocaine and MDMA). Her ex-partner sold cocaine and marijuana to support their family’s income. Charlene now smokes crack-cocaine and drinks alcohol once or twice weekly, to cope with her ADHD.

Charlene was previously arrested and detained for her ex-partner’s marijuana grow operation but has never been convicted for drug possession or trafficking. However, Charlene lives with constant fear of being arrested for her drug use, or of experiencing violence from drug sellers operating in the illicit drug markets. Charlene has consulted extensively with other PWUDs in Northern BC.  She founded the Coalition of Substance Users of the North (CSUN). She also worked with the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), the First Nations Health Authority, and the University of Northern BC, engaging PWUDs in Northern BC.

From her work and advocacy, Charlene sees the challenges rural PWUDs face to accessing a safe supply of drugs and other harm reduction. She hopes the Drug Decriminalization action will prevent fear and stigma rural PWUDs face and reduce their high rates of overdose death and injuries.