“Improve access to some of those more well-known and, at the end of the day, safer drugs." @IEmSteinmark weighs how to reduce harm from illegal drugs, on “Babbage” https://t.co/zt8P3wU6Ae ...

Across America a backlash against “harm reduction”, the idea that some people will always use drugs and that public policy should focus on minimising the damage, is taking place https://t.co/5J9ainbFqv ...

Harm reduction has gone out of fashion, but will not disappear https://t.co/REHoZIOKFZ ...

Addiction as a Health Issue in Nigeria - The presentation emphasizes that addiction should be viewed as a health issue rather than a criminal one, particularly in the context of Nigeria [2] - Drug abuse is identified as a significant global health challenge in Nigeria, with a high prevalence rate [2] - A 2018 study revealed that approximately 143 million (143%) Nigerians use psychoactive substances other than alcohol and tobacco [3] - Within that group, around 6 million Nigerians (approximately 42% of substance users) use cannabis, which is readily available and inexpensive due to local cultivation [3] - About 46 million (approximately 32% of substance users) Nigerians use opioids, while 24 million (approximately 17% of substance users) use cer lac with coine, indicating a substantial drug problem [4] - Among drug users, 376,000 are drug dependent and have serious drug issues [4] Stigma and Discrimination - The presentation advocates for avoiding stigmatizing terms like "addicts" and instead using language that reflects compassion and understanding [5] - Stigma is described as a mark that makes an individual unacceptable, leading to prejudice and discrimination [13] - The presentation highlights the societal stigma faced by treated drug users, including difficulty finding employment and housing [12] - The presentation urges society to show compassion, understanding, and support to people who use drugs, emphasizing that many want to stop [14][15] Prevention and Intervention Strategies - The presentation criticizes the overemphasis on punishment in current prevention efforts, advocating for care, compassion, support, and reintegration [17] - The presentation stresses the importance of early education and intervention to prevent drug use, as the brain continues to develop until age 25 [17][18] - The presentation supports evidence-based prevention interventions like harm reduction programs, such as needle syringe programs, to help drug users live [18] - The presentation calls for community engagement and a whole-society approach to prevention, involving youth and drug users themselves [19] - The presentation advocates for human-centered prevention, focusing on caring for those already struggling with addiction [20]

Toxic Drug Crisis Impact - The toxic drug crisis in British Columbia has claimed almost 15,000 lives since 2016 [1] - Unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death for people in BC aged 10 to 59 [2] - A 2019 report indicated a 255% increase in overdoses among South Asians in the Fraser Health region, nearly a twofold increase compared to non-South Asians [4] Marginalized Communities - The crisis disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, particularly the South Asian community, due to systemic neglect [3] - Stigma and shame within the South Asian community hinder individuals from seeking help and sharing their stories [5] Fentanyl Crisis - Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is a major contributor to overdoses, accounting for almost 80% of overdoses across Canada [10][11] - Fentanyl addiction requires medication and extensive support beyond what individuals can typically access [13] Community Support & Intervention - Soda (Students Overcoming Substance Use Disorder and Addiction Society of Canada) is a grassroots nonprofit addressing the toxic drug crisis's impact on the South Asian community [15] - Soda provides harm reduction training in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, connecting individuals with mental health and substance use services [16] Recovery & Lived Experience - Pervinder Singh's story highlights the transformative power of community support in overcoming addiction and inspiring others [7][21] - Lived experiences, like Pervinder's, should be recognized as expertise and integrated into policy and program development for cultural sensitivity [29] Data & Policy Recommendations - Advocate for better, accurate, and disaggregated data on populations differentially impacted by the toxic drug crisis [29]

Public Health Crisis & Harm Reduction - The US faces a significant substance use disorder crisis, affecting 4630 万 (46.3 million) people [1] - Harm reduction is a public health approach that minimizes negative consequences of behaviors like drug use, respecting individual autonomy and fostering healthier communities [15][16] - Harm reduction moves away from punitive systems, fostering connection and support, and potentially lowering healthcare costs [15][16] Personal Journey & Recovery - Personal experience highlights the challenges of addiction, including feelings of not belonging, societal pressures, and internalized stigma [5][6] - A health crisis (heart operating at 8%) served as a turning point, leading to seeking help and starting recovery [2] - Recovery involves building a supportive community, developing resilience, and finding new passions like running [7][8][10] - Marathon training mirrors the recovery process, requiring mental fortitude to overcome self-doubt and persevere through challenges [11][12] Public Health & Policy Implications - Disparities in access to healthcare, education, and resources impact individuals struggling with addiction [16] - Public health policies should reflect compassion and inclusivity, embracing individual journeys in recovery [18] - The importance of providing support, guidance, and understanding to individuals navigating their recovery journeys is emphasized [10][14] - The speaker's role as assistant director of harm reduction provides an opportunity to help others by sharing lived experience and encouraging progress [14]