Harm reduction

Question 1

Harm Reduction

Answer 1

Interventions aimed to reduce negative effects w/o extinguishing the problematic health behaviors

Question 2

Principles of Harm reduction:

Answer 2

1.Accepts illicit drug use is a part of our world , works to minimize it
2.Drug use is complex, multi-facetet  some ways of using drugs are safer than others
3.Establishes quality of life, not cessation of drug use
4.Calls for non-judgmental services
5.People who have used drugs have a voice in the programs
6.Affirms people who use drugs
7.Recognizes realities of poverty, class, racsism, past trauma
8.Does not minimize or ignore real harm

Question 3

Medications for OUD

Answer 3

-Methadone
-Buprenorphine
-Naltrexone
Decrease opioid cravings and block/blunt euphoria
Decrease withdrawal symptoms

Question 4

Syringe service programs:

Answer 4

-Decrease needle sharing + community presence of needles
-Increase connections to care
-50% reduction in HIV + HCV

Question 5

Sterile syringes in phramacies:

Answer 5

-In Indiana pharmacists can dispense sterile syringes w/o a prescription
-You do note need to document the reason for purchase

Question 6

supervised consumption sites

Answer 6

sites where people can bring in and use drugs under supervision
decrease needle sharing and fatalities

Question 7

SBIRT

Answer 7

screening identifies unhealthy substance use –> ask about substance use
brief intervention provides feedback about unhealthy substance use –> review the risks
referral to treatment facilitates access to SUD resources –> local resources