Harm Reduction Strategies Using Alternatives

Minnesota overdoses are way down! We have seen a stark decline in overdoses in our state (see below) and it's important to acknowledge the various factors that could have contributed to this positive outcome. 🙌 1️⃣ The legalization of all drug paraphernalia and drug residue, a first-of-its-kind move in the nation, has provided a safer environment for individuals who use substances. By removing the stigma and legal barriers associated with drug-related items, we are encouraging open conversations and harm reduction strategies which increase service participation. 2️⃣ We have also passed legislation providing for the expansion of syringe service providers and the implementation of protections for their workers. This initiative has not only prevented the spread of diseases but has also created a bridge to connect individuals with support and resources for their recovery journey. We have operations opening as we speak across the state adding to a robust system. 3️⃣ Another significant step forward has been allowing medication as prescribed into sober homes. By recognizing the importance of individualized treatment plans, we are enabling individuals in recovery to receive the necessary medications under proper supervision, ensuring their well-being and increasing their chances of successful recovery. We worked with sober homes and agreed that the time is now, and trust their organizations to implement these changes in their communities. They know them best! 4️⃣ The legalization of cannabis has also played a crucial role in reducing overdoses. By providing a safer alternative to illicit substances, we are giving individuals the option to choose a less harmful path and reducing their dependence on other potentially more harmful chemicals. 5️⃣ Access and expansion of methadone as a safe supply has been instrumental in our fight against overdoses. Ensuring the availability of this medication has improved the chances of recovery for many individuals, reducing the risks associated with opioid abuse. 6️⃣ Last but not least, the establishment of safe recovery sites, the third in the nation, has been a game-changer. These sites offer a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking help, providing a pathway to recovery and reducing the likelihood of overdoses. Together, these innovative approaches and progressive policies have created a positive impact on our community, saving lives and offering hope to those struggling with substance use disorder. Let’s not forget, persons with lived experience like myself wrote and advocated for these initiates. Connected with the experts in the room, Black, Brown and Indiginous persons and organizations, direct service and physician orgs, were turning the tide! Let's continue to support these initiatives and work towards a healthier and safer Space for all. 💙💪 #MinnesotaProud #AddictionRecovery #HarmReduction #ProgressivePolicies

Not all counties are in the weird and ineffective "compulsory treatment" bandwagon. Los Angeles County just launched a new initiative "Reaching the 95%" — or R95 — and its goal is to engage with more people than the fraction of Angelenos already getting addiction treatment. They are trying to nudge addiction treatment facilities to change their approach, by offering financial incentives for those that meet R95 requirements. Among them: changing their rules to not automatically eject people who have a “lapse” of drug use. To get R95 funding, they also cannot require people to be totally abstinent before being admitted. And under R95, treatment programs are also being encouraged to partner with syringe programs rooted in “harm reduction” — a philosophy focused on minimizing the harmful effects of drug use — to address the needs of people who may not want to enter or remain in treatment. Some treatment providers “view us as the enemy instead of as allies,” said Soma Snakeoil, executive director of the Sidewalk Project, which provides Narcan spray to reverse overdoses and other services on L.A.’s Skid Row. With R95, she said, “the biggest change is that harm reduction organizations and treatment providers are talking to each other in a way that was not happening ❤️ #harmreductionworks #harmreductiosaveslives