The Opiate Epidemic has brought the issue of substance abuse to light all around America, and suddenly a wide array of people- from doctors to politicians, pharmacies, and police- are asking how we can address this serious issue. While many addicts find themselves in jails or prisons, and others are lucky enough to get help for their addiction, the harsh reality is that there are countless numbers of people in active use.

While ideally these individuals will seek help and overcome their addiction, this will not be the case for everyone who needs it, and begs the question: what more can we do? For a handful of organizations throughout the state, the answer is a practice known as harm reduction.

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction is a controversial subject for many. Essentially, harm reduction groups focus on helping individuals to use drugs in the safest way possible, which for many, is an oxymoron. The groups operate on the basis that addiction is unavoidable and that it’s better to prevent tragedy among active users than preaching abstinence to those who are not ready or able to quit. Harm reduction programs focus primarily on two factors: deaths, and communicable diseases.

Overdose Prevention

Overdose prevention consists of two factors, one being the ability to ensure overdose doesn’t happen in the first place, and the second is to provide help for individuals once overdose has occurred. This is done through education, training and providing the overdose reversal medication Naloxone to individuals who have frequent contact with addicts.

Education and training classes help teach police officers, EMTs, treatment center staff, and community members techniques to prevent overdose. A few examples of what the users can do are: not using alone, not locking doors to rooms where you are using so that others can get in to help you if needed, communicating to another person that you are using so they can check on you, and keeping Narcan around so that you can administer it if needed. The state of Arizona has legalized the distribution of Narcan for overdose reversals because it cannot be abused.

Disease Prevention

Preventing disease is arguably a harder step in the process of protecting addicts. One simple measure that can be taken is that is giving out condoms to help prevent the spread of STDs, and HIV. However, there is another way in which HIV is spread, which is through sharing dirty needles when using drugs. Additionally, Hepatitis C can be spread through sharing needles.

One method of stopping the spread of these diseases is through needle exchanges, which are programs that exchange dirty or used needles for clean and sanitary needles. This poses a problem, in the state of Arizona, the distribution of syringes for drug administration is possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia, and it is a Felony offense. Because the risk of disease is so high among intravenous drug users, and subsequently the spread of potentially fatal diseases, there are underground organizations that put their safety and freedom on the line to help addicts in need of the preventative measures.

Seeking Treatment

While this is a step in the right direction, Harm Reduction is never an excuse for getting treatment. Addiction is a debilitating disease, but recovery is possible, and the options for those who want help are increasing all the time. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are resources available to you. A good place to start would be to contact your insurance company for options.

For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield treatment options can be fully on a network and help ensure that addiction is address through comprehensive and proven methods.