Can we please stop devaluing the lives of addicts and just treat them with proven science?

[antigone382]

30. The "harm reduction" approach is gaining ground as an alternative

But still, from what research I have done (and I am in the very early stages of understanding the problem, motivated by grief as I am), even hypothetically newer strategies still often involve 12 step principles in disguise, largely due to the high number of addiction professionals who have arrived at their current positions through that approach.

Don't get me wrong, I am thankful to the bottom of my heart for every single person who has been saved through 12-step programs. Certain aspects of the programs have some scientific validity, and I would not want to see them taken away as one potential strategy that works. But there are good reasons that they legitimately do not work for a lot of people, and other approaches might be better.

I would really recommend listening to/reading the transcript of the Fresh Air episode I linked to. Beyond that, NPR Morning Edition has done some great stories on opioid/heroin treatment recently, including one on Vermont's newly implemented "Hub and Spokes" program, which I think is particularly compelling. I have also found a lot of useful information on "The Fix," a website which focuses on addiction and recovery. I have also actually gotten some really enlightening information from the drugabuse.gov website that helps define the crisis, break down the stigma, and provide evidence for good treatments that work.

As I see it, the main areas for advocacy are: 1) eliminating the incarceration/criminal justice aspect of drug abuse; 2) demanding that substance abuse treatment be incorporated into standard medical care; 3) demanding that substance abuse treatment programs adopt evidence-based approaches that include long-term, comprehensive care and management; 4) making a host of legal changes that can save lives, most importantly making naloxone widely available, and guaranteeing that those calling for emergency services in the event of an overdose don't face the risk of arrest or jail time (which will be moot if point 1 is addressed)