Steroids and Harm Reduction: A Conversation with Dr. Katinka Van De Ven
So what happens usually is that when people stop using, a potentially can take a while before that process starts up again, before your natural production start of testosterone starts up again, and in some cases- but that is more in the minority- it even doesn't start off at all anymore.
What happens when we mix the world of performance-enhancing drugs with the ethical dilemmas of harm reduction? In this episode of 'The Peace On Drugs', host Aaron Akulis sits down with Dr. Katinka Van De Ven, an expert in cultural and global criminology, to unravel these complex issues. Dr. Van De Ven dives into her research on harm reduction, focusing particularly on steroids and other image-enhancing substances.
They discuss how the war on drugs has driven many users from clinics to the streets, creating a healthcare access crisis for those who use these substances. The conversation also touches on the slow but significant shift in public perception towards drug legalization and decriminalization, and the surprising benefits of psychedelics for treating conditions like PTSD and end-of-life anxiety. Dr.
Van De Ven sheds light on the often-overlooked world of steroids, explaining that while their harms are relatively low compared to other drugs, the lack of legal access and medical guidance poses serious risks. She highlights the need for better-informed general practitioners and improved healthcare access for steroid users.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on the prevalence of psychoactive substances in Australia and the critical role of continued research and harm reduction policies in addressing addiction and improving health outcomes. If you're curious about the intersection of ethics, healthcare, and drug policy, this episode offers a rich and engaging discussion.