Tackling Stigma with Compassion: Harm Reduction in Clinical Practice

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. It is also a movement for social justice build on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs. With its introduction as a U.S. Federal Drug Policy Priority in 2022, harm reduction has been in the news a lot lately.

This episode will build on the momentum by discussing action steps that clinicians can take to address stigma and promote compassionate, non-judgmental interactions with people who use drugs. Dr. Linda Wang will use a clinical vignette to describe the impact of stigma on access to and engagement in healthcare services. She will continue by outlining commonly-used stigmatizing language associated with drug use, and providing practical replacements that promote engagement and trust. Related Content: 

• National Harm Reduction Coalition: https://harmreduction.org/


• New York State Office for Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Harm Reduction: https://oasas.ny.gov/harm-reduction


• Hawk, M., Coulter, R.W.S., Egan, J.E., et al. (2017). Harm reduction principles for healthcare settings. Harm Reduct J. 14(70). doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-017-0196-4


• Zwick, J., Appleseth, H., and Arndt, S. (2020). Stigma: How it affects the substance use disorder patient. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy. 15(50). doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-020-00288-0


• Logan, D.E., and Marlatt, G.A. (2014). Harm reduction therapy: A practice-friendly review of research. J Clin Psychol. 66(2): 201-214. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002%2Fjclp.20669


• Milaney, K., Haines-Saah, R., Farkas, B., et al. (2022). A scoping review of opioid harm reduction interventions for equity-deserving populations. The Lancet. 12(100271). doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2022.100271


• 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42731/2022-nsduh-main-highlights.pdf


• Kelly, F., and Westerhoff, C.M. (2010). Does it matter how we refer to individuals with substance-related conditions? A randomized study of two commonly used terms. Int J Drug Policy. 21(3): 202-207. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2009.10.010


• CEI toll free line for NYS providers: 866-637-2342


• https://ceitraining.org/