Part 6/11:

Direct interactions with individuals experiencing addiction paint a stark picture of life in East Hastings. A variety of voices emerge: some chronicle their journey through addiction, revealing the severe consequences of prolonged substance use, while others express a longing for change. Conversations touch on their experiences in SROs (Single Room Occupancies), addiction histories, and the crushing weight of living amid constant substance use.

One individual articulates a common thread: the notion that one must be ready for change themselves. Stories of overdoses among friends and family highlight the pervasive despair within the community and the often fruitless nature of harm reduction without an incentive structure that encourages rehabilitation.