This is an academic paper that reviews the literature on including people who use drugs (PWUD) as part of research, intervention development and implementation, and policy advocacy. The barriers of stigma and discrimination must be addressed to improve engagement of PWUD in the decision-making process, though this population brings a critical skill set and unique perspective to the table.
Ti, L., Tzemis, D., Buxton, J.A. (2012). Engaging people who use drugs in policy and program development: a review of the literature. Substance Abuse: Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 7, 47.