VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Exploring a backlash against harm reduction
Exploring a backlash against harm reduction
Exploring a backlash against harm reduction
Thursday 19th October 2023
Journalist Carlyn Zwarenstein examines the backlash against harm reduction and shares her story as a prescribed opioid user.
24 minutes
Eye-opening
Informative
Honest
Supportive
Engaging
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VIMHS
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Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!Harm Reduction: The Battle Behind the Headlines
Episode Overview
- Carlyn Zwarenstein discusses the political backlash against harm reduction.
- Explains safe supply programs and their role in reducing opioid-related deaths.
- Shares her personal experience with prescribed opioids for chronic pain.
- Challenges stigma around opioid dependency and visible poverty.
- Highlights the need for informed discussions on harm reduction measures.
"It's not heroin pills. You're not taking it for fun. You're taking it to be able to live your life."
Ever wondered why harm reduction is stirring up such strong reactions? Journalist Carlyn Zwarenstein dives into the controversial backlash against harm reduction in Canada, revealing a complex web of ideology and politics. Carlyn shares her personal journey as a prescribed opioid user for chronic pain, offering a unique perspective on the issue. Her exploration goes beyond mere headlines, examining how safe supply programs are misunderstood and politicised.
Carlyn highlights the stark reality of opioid dependency, explaining how harm reduction can be a lifeline amidst the dangers of illicit drug supply. Her insights challenge the stigma surrounding opioid use, showing how people from all walks of life navigate dependency with dignity and resilience. As Carlyn unpacks the backlash, she argues that visible poverty often fuels negative perceptions of harm reduction.
With wit and wisdom, she sheds light on the real impact of harm reduction measures, urging us to question what truly drives opposition. Carlyn's candid reflections on her experiences with opioids reveal how they transformed her life, allowing her to reclaim precious moments with her family. If you're curious about the politics of harm reduction and its implications for society, this episode offers an eye-opening perspective that could change how you view addiction and recovery.