7383E The Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: General Principles of Harm Reduction-Slides

Slides

Pdf Summary

The document presents an overview of harm reduction principles in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD), such as opioid and stimulant use disorders, authored by Dr. Joji Suzuki. The Opioid Response Network (ORN), funded by SAMHSA, provides technical assistance and resources to communities to address these issues, focusing on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery through evidence-based practices.<br /><br />Harm reduction acknowledges ongoing drug use and aims to minimize harmful effects, opting for safe use practices rather than insisting on complete abstinence. This approach includes interventions like naloxone distribution, needle exchanges, drug testing, and medications like buprenorphine, which reduces overdose risks while keeping users alive and stable to pursue recovery. The document emphasizes the chronic nature of SUD, comparing it to other chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, highlighting the need for long-term management and acceptance of relapses.<br /><br />The text also discusses the neurobiology of SUD, explaining how addiction affects the brain's reward system, leading to compulsive use, cravings, and long-term changes. Recovery approaches must be multifaceted, combining biological, psychological, and social support components to be effective. Counseling and recovery supports like peer groups and family reconnections are crucial for sustained recovery.<br /><br />Additionally, the document discusses the stigma surrounding SUD, noting that it is the most stigmatized health condition per the World Health Organization (WHO). It argues that stigmatizing language and attitudes worsen health outcomes by delaying help-seeking and reducing treatment adherence. Hence, the document encourages using non-stigmatizing language and celebrating any improvement in drug use behavior as part of a harm reduction strategy.<br /><br />Finally, the document includes various accreditation statements for medical professionals, reiterating compliance with unbiased information dissemination standards and the importance of harm reduction in medical care.

Keywords

harm reduction

substance use disorders

opioid use

stimulant use

Opioid Response Network

evidence-based practices

naloxone distribution

neurobiology of addiction

stigma reduction

recovery support