Overdose and Incarceration: Insights from Experts on Harm Reduction
One of the things that I really worry about from the work that we've done with people coming out of prison is, you know, we also worry about people coming out of detox, for example, or abstinence-based treatment environments and what happens when or if they relapse after those settings again because of the loss of tolerance.
What happens when overdose and incarceration intersect? In this episode of Harm Reduction Radio - HAMS, host Kenneth Anderson sits down with two leading voices in addiction treatment: Dr. Ingrid Binswanger, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado, and Lisa Raville, Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver. They tackle the pressing issues surrounding drug-related deaths and the justice system, shedding light on how harm reduction strategies can make a difference. Dr.
Binswanger and Raville dive into the critical need for broader access to naloxone in primary care settings and the life-saving potential of syringe exchange programs. They share personal experiences and professional insights on the shifting trends in substance use and the impact of abstinence-only treatment environments on relapse rates. This episode doesn't shy away from tough questions. How can we reduce the stigma around drug use? What role do pharmaceutical medications play in harm reduction?
The conversation is both enlightening and challenging, urging listeners to rethink traditional approaches to addiction treatment. Whether you're directly affected by addiction or simply curious about modern treatment methods, this episode offers valuable perspectives on combating the opioid epidemic through compassionate and practical solutions.