Jaclyn Brown: From Tragedy to Harm Reduction Advocate
What's important is that dead people can't recover...and I think too, by you know even just the other piece of what you do.
How do you transform personal tragedy into a mission to help others? In this episode of 'The Way Out', Jason sits down with Jaclyn Brown, a fierce recovery advocate and survivor of a family member's addiction. Jaclyn opens up about the devastating loss of her brother Mark to an overdose in 2018. This heartbreaking event became a catalyst for her own journey of self-discovery and deepened her understanding of addiction. She didn't just stop at understanding; she took action.
Jaclyn is now a harm reduction expert, Narcan trainer, and dedicated volunteer, tirelessly working to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and save lives. Jaclyn's story is one of resilience and transformation. She recently left her corporate job to fully immerse herself in the recovery community, proving that sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we carve out of our own pain.
Throughout the episode, she shares valuable insights into the harm reduction approach, which focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of substance use rather than insisting on complete abstinence. This perspective can be life-changing for many who feel overwhelmed by traditional recovery expectations. Jason's interview with Jaclyn is not just informative but also deeply moving. They discuss the importance of community support and how small acts of kindness and understanding can make a huge difference.
Jaclyn's journey is a testament to the power of turning grief into purpose and finding hope in the darkest of times. If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on harm reduction, this episode is a must-listen.