Harm Reduction: A Prevention Lens-Slides

Slides

Pdf Summary

The document is a presentation by Elizabeth Black, LADC, focused on harm reduction within a prevention framework, primarily targeting opioid and stimulant use. It highlights the role of the Opioid Response Network (ORN), funded by SAMHSA, in providing technical assistance to states, organizations, and individuals to manage the opioid crisis. ORN employs local consultants to offer expertise in prevention, treatment, and recovery, and accepts requests for public education and training on these issues.<br /><br />The presentation delves into understanding addiction as a response to trauma, emphasizing connections made by the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study. It notes that a significant percentage of individuals in behavioral health systems have traumatic backgrounds, which correlate with higher risks of smoking, obesity, STDs, substance use disorders, and alcohol use disorders. The presentation argues that addiction should be viewed as a normal response to abnormal circumstances, where substance use acts as a coping mechanism to manage trauma.<br /><br />Harm reduction is defined as a compassionate, non-judgmental approach that acknowledges substance use on a continuum and supports incremental positive changes. Strategies may include needle exchange programs, Narcan distribution, hotlines, supervised sites, PrEP, and condoms. It's emphasized that harm reduction honors each individual's dignity and humanity, viewing them as experts in their own recovery process.<br /><br />The presentation also discusses the intersection of prevention and harm reduction, illustrating how they can complement each other. For instance, prevention through sex education can be paired with harm reduction by distributing condoms. Lastly, it outlines roles for prevention professionals, like educating communities, reducing stigma, and distributing resources.<br /><br />For further inquiries or technical assistance, contact information for ORN and Elizabeth Black, as well as a survey link for feedback, are provided.

Keywords

harm reduction

opioid crisis

stimulant use

Opioid Response Network

addiction and trauma

Adverse Childhood Experiences

substance use disorders

prevention framework

public education

technical assistance