In partnership with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), Foundry Central Office, Foundry Kelowna, and Foundry Vancouver-Granville, the Improving Treatment Together (ITT) Project is happy to share “Step by step – A youth informed guide to OAT.”

The animated series showcases podcasts hosts, Sam and Sasha, as they interview youth experts from Kelowna and Vancouver to explore what Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) was like for them, how OAT can help in treating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), common side effects to expect, and ultimately, what else besides OAT medications helped each of them in their journey to wellness. The videos hope to demystify and destigmatize OAT by providing authentic and relatable information for those seeking treatment for opioid use and to increase confidence for youth considering or starting OAT.

The series features 4 short episodes:

• “You’re worth it”: Defines what OAT is and its potential life-saving benefit within the context of the drug toxicity emergency
• “The Daily Routine”: Provides descriptions of the different types of medications available for youth in British Columbia. Youth describe what being on OAT looks like in day-to-day life.
• “Side Effects”: Explains common side effects youth experienced while on OAT
• “The Big Picture”: Explores the idea that OAT is only one tool that supports one’s wellness journey, and everyone’s treatment pathway is different. Youth share what other elements helped them while on OAT, including staying connected through support groups, friends, and peers.

Thank you to the young people who shared their living expertise for this video series through interviews, focus groups and working meetings for over a year and a half to co-create “Step by Step – A youth-informed guide to opioid agonist treatment.” Your knowledge, dedication and passion were instrumental to the production of this resource, which we hope will empower young people in BC to seek support and find a pathway to wellness that works for them. This resource would not have been possible without you.

Check out The Improving Treatment Together (ITT) Project – Foundry – (foundrybc.ca) for more information and to access the OAT infographic as well as additional resources.

If you have any questions about the videos or the ITT Project, please reach out to Christina Katan [email protected]

CMHA Kelowna is proud to be the operator and lead agency of Foundry Kelowna.