Damon Harris: Finding Hope in Harm Reduction
So after a while, I got introduced, you know, I met Mindy Vincent with the u s harm reduction coalition and got introduced to the harm reduction model of recovery, and I started kind of seeing, you know, and working with iv drug users on the community, and I started seeing how kind of the abstinence model is useless to these guys, like it's not, this information doesn't help them at all.
Ever wondered how someone finds their way out of the darkest corners of addiction? Damon Harris knows that journey all too well. In this gripping episode of Odyssey House Journals, hosted by TV news legend Randall Carlisle, Damon opens up about his tumultuous path to recovery. He shares his raw and unfiltered experiences with addiction, from the depths of drug-related crimes and incarceration to the challenges of traditional abstinence models.
Damon explains how harm reduction strategies offered him a lifeline when other methods failed. He dives into the importance of emotional regulation and coping mechanisms, shedding light on how writing and therapy became crucial tools in his sobriety toolkit. The conversation also touches on the often-overlooked topic of financing addiction, revealing the lengths he went to support his habit. But it’s not all gloom; Damon’s story is also one of redemption and giving back.
He talks passionately about his involvement with the US Harm Reduction Coalition and how community service has helped him rebuild his life. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone touched by addiction, whether personally or through someone they care about. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and the different paths to recovery.