Harm Reduction: Real Talk with Sheila Vakharia and Jeannie Little
So if we change how we do treatment, maybe that will bring in the people to get care, but if we don't change how we do treatment, we don't deserve to have them either.
Imagine being able to approach substance use and addiction with empathy and practicality. In this episode of 'Challenging Pathos', host Glenn Marshall welcomes two powerhouses in the field, Sheila Vakharia and Jeannie Little. Sheila, with her rich background in social work and harm reduction counseling, and Jeannie, a pioneer in harm reduction therapy since the 1990s, share their invaluable experiences and insights.
They dive into the significance of meeting individuals where they are in their journey with substance use, emphasizing the importance of normalizing addiction and focusing on safety rather than abstinence alone. The conversation also highlights the benefits of medicated-assisted treatment and the limitations of traditional drug assessments. Whether you're directly affected by addiction or interested in understanding more about harm reduction strategies, this episode offers a compassionate and informative perspective that could change how you view substance use treatment.