The One You Feed Maia Szalavitz on The Case For Harm Reduction
Sep 14, 2021
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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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.
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.
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.
