Rethinking Addiction: Maia Szalavitz on Harm Reduction and Truths
Understanding that being cruel to people with addiction doesn't help them is really really critical.
Imagine a world where drug policy is based on empathy rather than punishment. In this episode of 'Human Stories of Recovery', host Alex Colyer sits down with journalist and author Maia Szalavitz to tackle some hard-hitting truths about addiction and harm reduction. Szalavitz, known for her groundbreaking work in the field, doesn't hold back as she discusses the deep-rooted issues in current drug policies, including the racism that has historically shaped them. But it's not all doom and gloom.
She offers hope by explaining how harm reduction strategies can significantly lessen the risks associated with drug use and improve outcomes if integrated into our medical systems. Personal stories are at the heart of this conversation. Szalavitz shares her own journey to recovery, shedding light on the stigma that often surrounds addiction.
She also touches on the challenges faced by nonprofits working in this space, offering a candid look at what it takes to drive change in a system resistant to it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of addiction and the potential of harm reduction to make a real difference.