Substance use disorder is a complex medical condition. For many, harm reduction strategies are often a first step in their recovery journey.
Dr. Alexis LaPietra, Medical Director, RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery, and System Director of Addiction Medicine, Emergency and Hospital Medicine service line, explains that harm reduction is the practice of reducing negative consequences related to risky behaviors. Many harm reduction strategies are common practice in our day-to-day lives, for example, using a seatbelt in the car or wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
One important but often overlooked area of harm reduction relates to drug use. Harm reduction, as it applies to drug use, supports continued health engagement with an individual as they use drugs, leaving the option for future recovery open. “We must meet people where they are, allowing individuals to pave their own path,” says Dr. LaPietra.
Harm reduction for drug use can include:
- Distribution and education on naloxone (Narcan®), a lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication
- Low barrier access to medication for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine (Suboxone®), which has been proven to lead to a 62% reduction in the risk of opioid-involved overdose death following a non-fatal opioid-involved overdose*
- Access to safe injection supplies to reduce communicable diseases
- Fentanyl test strips to inform individuals if their drugs contain this additive and allow them to make an informed decision
- Overdose prevention centers, monitored spaces for individuals to use their own drugs with trained staff on-site who can use naloxone to reverse an overdose
For our most vulnerable patients, including our maternal health patients, harm reduction is a vital, lifesaving part of health care. Dr. LaPietra stresses that this is especially important for pregnant or postpartum patients. “Equitable care with a harm reduction lens can be the difference between life and death for some mothers and their babies.”
In particular, Dr. LaPietra points to the significant role naloxone can play in reducing the mortality related to opioid overdose. She states, “In the age of fentanyl, our goal is to assist whenever possible if we think someone may have overdosed.” Naloxone saves lives.
Access to naloxone is growing. New Jersey residents 14 years or older can receive a free naloxone kit from participating pharmacies. All RWJBarnabas Health hospitals administer and distribute naloxone to patients who experience a non-fatal overdose. Additionally, Dr. LaPietra encourages everyone to carry naloxone as it is widely accessible throughout the state, free, safe and easy to use. She adds, “Just like we have AEDs in densely populated venues, we should all carry naloxone with us and feel empowered to use it.” By destigmatizing harm reduction strategies, educating individuals on naloxone access and use and supporting individuals who use drugs, we are building healthier communities, together.
Please visit rwjbh.org/preventionandrecovery to learn more about the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery. If you use drugs and need support, please contact our Peer Recovery Program at 848-303-0008. Our nationally certified Peer Recovery Specialists can get you support and services. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 911.