How We Can Actually Do Something Useful About the Opiate Overdose Epidemic

‘Of course, just like drug use in general, overdose is a complex, multifaceted issue. While most overdose deaths involve opioids, the majority of people who use opioids or any other substances do so without ever developing related problems. Problems that do arise are influenced by a multiplicity of risk and protective factors at play in an individual’s life.
No solutions will be universally applicable or absolute, but harm reduction principles and public health priorities are promising building blocks for humane and effective policies. Responses involving shame, fear and punishment tend to do more harm than good, even when they are posited by well-intentioned people or supported by anecdote.’
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