Maia Szalavitz, a leading voice on addiction and drug policy, discusses her book, "Undoing Drugs: The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction." She advocates for harm reduction as a compassionate alternative to traditional addiction treatments. The conversation examines the complexities of U.S. drug policies and the stigma surrounding addiction. Maia emphasizes individual paths to recovery, challenging the binary approaches of abstinence versus moderation. Her insights advocate for understanding, compassion, and improving quality of life for those affected by addiction.
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insights INSIGHT
Harm Reduction Focus
Focus on stopping the harm caused by drug use, not just stopping the use itself.
Address the underlying problems driving drug use, not just the symptom.
insights INSIGHT
Abstinence-Only Approach
Abstinence isn't always the best approach, as drug use often masks deeper issues.
Prioritize keeping people alive so they have a chance at recovery.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Past Intravenous Drug Use
Maia Szalavitz and Eric discuss their past intravenous drug use and the fear of HIV.
Hepatitis C and lack of clean needle access are highlighted.
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In *Unbroken Brain*, Maia Szalavitz challenges traditional views of addiction by presenting it as a learning disorder, emphasizing the role of neuroplasticity and environmental factors. The book combines personal narrative with scientific research to offer a compassionate and effective approach to understanding and treating addiction.
Undoing Drugs, the untold story of harm reduction and the future of addiction
The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction
Maya Solovitz
Maya Solovitz's "Undoing Drugs" delves into the complexities of harm reduction strategies in addiction treatment. The book challenges conventional approaches, advocating for evidence-based methods that prioritize individual well-being and recovery. Solovitz explores the social, political, and scientific dimensions of addiction, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and potential solutions. The narrative highlights the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing addiction, moving beyond punitive measures towards a more humane and effective system of care. Ultimately, the book aims to foster a more informed and compassionate dialogue surrounding addiction and its treatment.
Maia Szalavitz is an American reporter and New York Times best-selling author who has focused much of her work on the topic of addiction. She has won awards from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Drug Policy Alliance, the American Psychological Association and the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology for her 30 years of groundbreaking writing on addiction, drug policy and neuroscience.
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In This Interview, Maia Szalavitz and I Discuss The Case for Harm Reduction and…
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