Substance use disorder (SUD) stigma remains a societal issue despite recent campaigns to increase understanding of the pervasive nature of addiction. Many still believe those with a SUD are lazy, weak, or outliers in the community.
In addition, the association of alcohol and drug addiction with criminals and the homeless remains problematic for those in the substance addiction recovery community. If you have a SUD, you may be dealing with addiction-related stigma. Therefore, benefitting from medication to reduce the harm of withdrawal means you may also face increased judgment.
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction aims to keep you alive and healthy while you withdraw from drugs like opioids. When combined with an evidence-based approach to care, harm reduction can decrease the negative impacts of behaviors associated with alcohol or drugs.
When you enter a detoxification (detox) center that uses harm reduction to guide their patients through withdrawal, they should meet you where you are at in your detox process. Detox centers will provide the medical care necessary while also integrating strategies to keep you on the path to continued care in substance addiction treatment.
Harm reduction goes beyond providing medication and care, however. It also addresses broader social and health issues. The current administration implemented policies and programs that acknowledge harm reduction as an integral part of comprehensive care for SUDs. The programs emphasize the importance of prevention, treatment, and recovery defined by treatment centers and yourself. Your input in your treatment can increase your commitment to your recovery.
Opioid Addiction and Withdrawal
Some misunderstand opiate addiction in society. Perhaps you have an opioid addiction that stems from prescription medication, a common factor in this type of addiction. Doctors can prescribe codeine, OxyContin, or Dilaudid, to help with pain management. Due to the highly addictive nature of these medications, you can become dependent, overuse them, or seek additional pills after the prescription runs out. However, there are other types of opiates, including heroin and morphine.
If you choose to quit using opiates, you should never detox on your own. As the chemicals leave your body, you may experience the following symptoms:
Sweating
Headache
Shaking
Drug craving
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Inability to sleep
Mental health disorders like depression or anxiety
Confusion
Harm Reduction and Other Substances
Harm reduction occurs with other substances as well. Depending on the evaluation performed by your doctor, you may receive medication to ease your withdrawal symptoms.
A medically supervised detox center will also have experience addressing the needs of those withdrawing from alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, inhalants, and marijuana. Each of these substances has adverse reactions to the chemicals leaving your body. Therefore, because different substances present distinct adverse effects, your well-being depends on knowledgeable staff. For example, if you are withdrawing from alcohol, you may experience:
Seizures
Hallucinations
Dangerous changes in your blood pressure and temperature
Severe agitation
Serious dehydration
All of these symptoms can escalate into life-threatening complications.
Harm Reduction's Place in Treatment and Recovery
Comprehensive substance addiction treatment can include harm reduction as an essential part of the continuum of care. There are two types of treatments for those withdrawing from opioids. The common term for substance addiction treatment that combines medical and psychological care during the cessation of a substance is withdrawal management (WM).
If you consent to methadone during your withdrawal, you do not need WM. In this case, your doctor will follow the opioid withdrawal protocol. If undergoing WM, you may relapse, as it is the first step in substance addiction treatment.
The second type of care utilized while detoxing is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Your detox center or substance addiction treatment can combine medication with therapy or behavioral therapy. The use of MAT can help you overcome opioid addiction. However, like WM, it is the first step in comprehensive care for a SUD.
As the public learns more about harm reduction and treatment, they can recognize its place in therapy. Studies show the positive effects of harm reduction care are:
Putting you in touch with counseling, overdose information, and referrals to centers that provide treatment for alcohol or drug use disorders or infectious diseases.
If you have an opioid addiction, you can enter a detox center that includes opioid overdose or withdrawal mediation like Suboxone or Zubslov.
Decreases the risk of transferring infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Most detox centers that offer harm reduction have a philosophy of hope and healing because they employ those who have experiences with addiction and recovery.
Standards of Care
A medically supervised detox program will have staff checking your progress around the clock. The medical team will ensure you receive the essential care to your mind and body throughout the withdrawal process. Should there be any complications or symptoms, the staff will care for you and adjust as needed.
The goal of harm reduction is to provide safety while withdrawing from alcohol and drugs. The increased awareness and promotion of its use as a viable and helpful part of comprehensive substance addiction treatment is a positive step for those with a SUD. As understanding the causes and treatment for substance addiction increases, the stigma surrounding addiction and treatment will decrease. Harm reduction's role in decreasing stigma is recognized due to its effects on the well-being of those with a substance use disorder. Detox programs, like Monte Cristo Recovery, are leaders in their field. Therefore, we actively employ harm reduction therapies. Our staff includes medical personnel and those with experience in addiction and recovery. We're here to guide you through one of the most challenging times in your life as you enter empowerment and control. Combined with your commitment to your health and recovery, Monte Cristo Recovery is the first step to a sober life. Call us at (714) 824-9896.