VIMHS
VIMHS
In conversation with the Executive Director of the BCCSU
In conversation with the Executive Director of the BCCSU
In conversation with the Executive Director of the BCCSU
Thursday 19th January 2023
Cheyenne Johnson from BC Centre on Substance Use discusses addiction treatment, harm reduction, and safe supply regulation on People First Radio.
22 minutes
Informative
Educational
Thought-provoking
Authentic
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
VIMHS
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
203 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Cheyenne Johnson: Tackling Addiction, Harm Reduction, and Safe Supply
It's this full continuum of services that actually should start with health promotion and disease prevention. You know, long before substance use disorders develop, to help families and, with young children, have a safer and healthier relationship with using substances.
Ever wondered how addiction treatment can be improved? Cheyenne Johnson, Executive Director of the BC Centre on Substance Use, shares her insights on People First Radio. Since its establishment in 2017, the BC Centre has focused on developing and evaluating evidence-based approaches to substance use and addiction. With British Columbia facing a public health emergency due to illicit drug toxicity since 2016, Johnson’s expertise is more relevant than ever.
Johnson dives into the opioid crisis in British Columbia, noting that many people struggle with opioid use disorder. But she reminds us that addiction isn’t just about opioids. It’s a broader issue requiring a comprehensive system of care. She points out the confusion many face when trying to access addiction services, with no clear entry point or guidance on where to turn. The conversation also touches on the ongoing debate between harm reduction and traditional recovery treatments.
Johnson emphasizes the need for a full spectrum of services, starting with health promotion and disease prevention. She also highlights the importance of regulating the drug supply to ensure safety and connect users with long-term health and social services. Comparing the response to addiction with the rapid actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson calls for a coordinated effort to address the drug supply issue and provide safer pathways for those in need.
If you’re keen to understand more about addiction treatment, harm reduction, and the challenges of safe supply regulation, this episode offers valuable perspectives from someone deeply involved in these efforts.