I’ve had an interesting relationship with harm reduction
over the years. Prior to sobering up in January of 2005 I tried my luck with
controlled drinking and failed miserably. At the time I didn’t know about the phenomenon
of craving when it comes to alcohol. I’m one of the 10 per cent of the population
who have the disease of alcoholism. A few years into recovery I also tried to
cut down my smoking but failed at that as well. I’m an all or nothing kind of
guy.
Early into recovery I became an addictions
counsellor and my first job was with the same agency that I got sober at. It
was a disease-model, abstinence-based, centre which put heavy emphasis into the
12 Steps of recovery. At that time I was steadfast in my belief that abstinence
was the only way to achieve recovery, the 12 Step way at that. For my own recovery
I feel that was the place I needed to be. For me, harm reduction doesn’t work
and will only lead to disaster. As my career branched out to other treatment centres
I began to take another look at my devotion to the idea that abstinence is the
only way to go. When I speak of abstinence I’m talking about abstinence from
all mind altering substances, including alcohol, marijuana and benzodiazepines,
no matter what your preferred method of escape was. Oxycontin use was on the
rise and more and more people were seeking treatment for addiction to it. A
segment of these people became addicted to Oxy after a doctor prescribed it to
them for a legitimate reason. This particular group never had an issue with
alcohol or other substances. I started feel that this group of people may be
able to drink alcohol or smoke marijuana safely. However, they would have to be
very careful in case a problem arose.
Over the years I’ve been in recovery and addiction
counselling I saw several types of harm reduction. From Methadone to Suboxone, I’m
still of the belief that when it comes to opiate addiction (not in the case of
the aforementioned population segment) the greatest chance for an optimal
quality life is complete abstinence from alcohol and all mind altering
substances. However, I’m no longer so naïve as to think that everyone can
accomplish this and have realized that some individuals will be on these types
of medications for years, maybe even life. However, I firmly believe that the harm
reduction factor is wiped out if doctors continue to prescribe these
medications knowing that the persons using them are using other substances at
the same time.
Recently I changed up my career. I am no longer an
addictions counsellor but am what’s called a Peer Support Worker helping marginalized
segments of our population. Most notably people suffering from mental health
issues, addictions and homelessness. As part of my new job I get to ride in an
Outreach Van handing out food, clothes, blankets, etc. Part of the van’s
function is also a needle exchange program. Not only do we hand out clean
needles but arm ties, cooking kits and other types of paraphernalia needed to
shoot-up substances. I know that I would not have been able to carry out this
type of work early in my recovery but today it doesn’t bother me in the least.
It’s not my job, professionally or personally, to tell people how they should
live their lives. If they ask me for a better way then I’m available to guide
them in that direction. Until then I’m just happy to be preventing the spread
of disease and allowing addicts to maintain some level of dignity.
Dave the Dude
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