Compassion Over Stigma: Dr. Bernadette Pauly on Homelessness and Harm Reduction
Substance use is a consequence of conditions that people are living in and they're coping and making choices based on their life circumstances.
Imagine facing addiction without a home to call your own. In this thought-provoking episode of Harm Reduction Radio, Kenneth Anderson sits down with Dr. Bernadette Pauly, a professor at the University of Victoria's School of Nursing, to explore the intricate ties between homelessness, harm reduction, and social justice. Dr. Pauly dives deep into how life circumstances often drive substance use and why stigmatizing those who use drugs misses the mark.
She champions harm reduction strategies that prioritize compassion, safety, and dignity over judgment and punishment. You'll hear about youth prevention programs, managed alcohol initiatives, and the crucial role of peer support in outreach efforts. Dr. Pauly also sheds light on the hurdles faced in rolling out harm reduction policies, particularly when services are unevenly distributed. This episode serves as a compelling reminder that effective addiction treatment must consider the real-life contexts of those it aims to help.