Chase Holleman: Advocating for Compassion in Substance Use Treatment
It's this idea of not treating it as a black and white, like you were saying, Michael, like this cookie cutter treatment, like we treat individuals as individuals and like it's, we don't have to come out with blanket policies, for you know, like this person gets this medication at this dose for this long and receives this type of therapy.
Imagine facing a system that often feels stacked against you. That's the reality Chase Holleman, LMSW, navigates daily. As a person in recovery and the Program Director for the syringe services program at UNC Greensboro, Chase brings a wealth of firsthand experience to this episode of 'Challenging Pathos'. He dives into the complexities of harm reduction and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), sharing his journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Known for his impactful TedTalk, Chase sheds light on the trauma and stigma he has encountered, both as a user and an advocate. His candid discussion about the effectiveness of methadone and buprenorphine, along with the potential pitfalls of Nar-certified recovery houses, provides a nuanced view of substance use treatment. But it's not just about the medication; it's about treating people as individuals and building meaningful connections in recovery.
Chase's story is a powerful reminder that empathy and understanding can pave the way for systemic change. Whether you're directly affected by substance use disorder or interested in drug policy reform, this episode offers valuable insights and a call to action for more compassionate care.