Addiction is a treatable medical disorder, and while addiction can happen to anyone, anyone can get help. Support for someone who is working to find treatment or recovery can be the difference in someone getting into recovery or staying sick.
One way we can help support those in recovery and those who are still struggling with addiction, is to practice harm reduction. Harm reduction is a term that describes different practices and policies that can reduce the negative impacts associated with legal and illegal drug use – they are put into place to keep people as safe as possible.
Harm reduction can give people the time and more chances at life and life in recovery. Sometimes it’s not their second chance, sometimes it’s their ninth chance – and that’s absolutely okay. It has been shown to have a positive effect on an individual in their community, including decreases in infectious disease transmission, decreases in drug overdoses, and increases in access to healthcare.
Also, it’s important to know that harm reduction has been shown to not increase substance use at all, and it does not enable people. But it does keep them safe until they are able to get into recovery.
Harm reduction is helping people wherever they are at in their substance use disorder recovery journey. For example, if someone who has diabetes won’t give up sweets, they are still given medicine to help keep them healthy. It’s the same thing with someone who has a substance use disorder and harm reduction. If you remove the stigma and shame around use, it can help someone feel like they can try to access treatment.
There are many different harm reduction practices you can follow if you are struggling with a substance use disorder, have a loved one who may be struggling with addiction, or even have a loved one who is in recovery.
Carry naloxone
Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and will NOT harm anyone who is not having an opioid overdose – so don’t be afraid to use it. Naloxone (aka NARCAN) is easy to use, and can be found over the counter at stores, without a prescription from the Southern Ute Health Center Pharmacy, from the Behavioral Health Center, and is also distributed at many community events.
Encourage the use of fentanyl test strips
With fentanyl test strips, a person can test the substance they are using to see if it is laced with fentanyl. If their substance tests positive for fentanyl, they can avoid using fentanyl entirely, use less, or use with others around them who can give naloxone or call 911 for help. When used properly, test strips are reliable and can be an important step to take. But test strips aren’t always 100% accurate. Even when drugs test negative for fentanyl, remain very careful and prepared to use naloxone in case there actually is fentanyl in the drugs. The Southern Ute Behavioral Health Building offers fentanyl test strips and training. Please call 970-563-5700 to set up a training appointment.
Access a syringe service program
Syringe service programs are locations where people can access harm reduction supplies for safer use. These supplies can include alcohol pads, cookers, needles, tourniquets, sterile water, fentanyl test strips, and naloxone. The closest syringe service program is at the Ignacio Community Library every other Tuesday from 10am to noon. Or, for more information contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Office at 970-563-5700.
Addiction is treatable, and recovery is always possible. Practicing harm reduction is just one way you can help someone find treatment. Your support and compassion can make a huge difference in someone finding treatment and recovery. Learn more about how you can support someone, and additional treatment resources, at LTLSouthernUte.org.