Nathan Smiddy on Harm Reduction: Balancing Lives and Recovery
Complete abstinence is like the only thing that's ever worked for me. And, like dude, this shit was not given to me, like I had to work my ass off for it, you know.
What does it take to balance the act of saving lives and supporting recovery? Nathan Smiddy, a passionate advocate for harm reduction, shares his journey and insights in this episode of Recovery Survey. Nathan opens up about his own struggles with addiction, highlighting that complete abstinence has been his path to recovery. However, he also underscores the importance of harm reduction as a critical tool in addressing the addiction crisis.
Nathan collaborates with various organizations to distribute Narcan, provide training, and raise awareness about harm reduction strategies. His work is driven by the alarming number of lives lost to drug use and the need for practical solutions that can bridge the gap between immediate life-saving measures and long-term recovery. Listeners will find Nathan's approach both inspiring and pragmatic as he discusses the hard work involved in recovery and the personal responsibility individuals must take.
He provides valuable resources for those interested in getting involved in harm reduction efforts and emphasizes the importance of supporting organizations like A New PATH, which aims to provide accessible and effective addiction treatment services. This episode offers a compelling look at how harm reduction can be a vital component in the broader landscape of addiction recovery, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this issue.