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All over the world, overdoses are a leading cause of avoidable deaths. These numbers are even worse for those who are struggling with addiction, as nearly half of the avoidable deaths for those who inject heroin are overdoses that were avoidable. The unprecedented rise in substance misuse remains challenging for those seeking to reduce drug-related deaths and increase the overall health of the population. However, by adopting new trends and utilizing creative approach models for treatment, the focus on saving lives instead of incrimination is leading towards positive steps in changing the world's drug policies and agendas.
Although various harm reduction strategies have been implemented throughout North America to combat drug overdoses, the Americans have been hit harder by the opioid epidemic. The CDC reported over 70,000 deaths in 2019 from drug related overdoses just in the United States. Furthermore, the rise in overdoses raised over 4% since 2018, and 67.9% of those fatalities were from synthetic opioids.
While there have been efforts to reduce the supply of opioids and prescription drugs, the percentage of overdoses in the United States increased by over 4% from 2018 to 2019. This percentage includes all the deaths of those who had underlying causes of drug poisoning, regardless of the nature of that poisoning.
The numbers changed over the years due, in no small part, to factors like socioeconomic status and a lack of awareness towards the benefits of reducing drug-related harm. Therefore, communities throughout North America started to step in with new innovative approaches and harm reduction strategies to help those who have been hit the hardest by the opioid epidemic and the war on drugs, focusing on goals to reduce the spreading of the underlying causes of addiction and death from substance use.
Since the communities stepped in, the levels of awareness around the positive effects of tolerance, prohibition, decriminalization, medicated assisted treatment, and men’s addiction treatment have increased. Meanwhile, the stigmas have been reduced, and the public's knowledge has expanded regarding stronger and more solidified paths to safe and efficient treatment options.
Many of the strategies now in widespread use to reduce drug-related harm strategies were found by international organizations. Public demonstrations, protesters, drug acts, intensive recovery services, case management, and specialized programs directed towards rigorous accountability have resulted in a new approach: substance use treatment as a health issue, instead of a criminal one. This change in perspective helped drop the overdose numbers in the past few years. Reduction-based strategies for addiction treatment have provided promising strategies and safe treatment facilities.
The strategies are based on realistic options that are tailored and uniquely tailored for each individual. The interventions focused on helping individuals with substance use and learning more about the core elements of the addiction. Additionally, promoting a safe environment for treatment was a fair, efficient, and effective strategy within the United States.
Since the growth of knowledge and awareness around drug-related harm, multiple cities have adopted creative and innovative strategies with supervised treatment facilities to eliminate withdrawal risks. These cities have recognized the benefits of professional healthcare providers who understand the process of treatment and easily-accessible resources available to help everyone struggling with substance use. The benefits of the reduction model support a promising future, but it is still not without its challenges.
There are still laws around criminal behavior and the exploitation of substances, and some cities are more vulnerable than others. With the support of law enforcement officers through the program, such as a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), health professionals and case managers can focus on the core elements of individuals that require immediate attention or more individualized treatment options. The percentage of participants in various programs, like LEAD, found significant improvements in stability and connection while also resulting in fewer days in jail. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) also helped alleviate symptoms of withdrawal while focusing on behavioral health, intervention, counseling, and referrals to help in the decrease of overdose fatalities.
While the war on substance use is not yet over, these innovative reduction strategies help encourage quality ways to reduce drug-related harm with addiction treatment. Overall, there are fewer fatalities. Those who help distribute resources to the public increase substance use awareness and reduce overdose risk. Those who are struggling have access to treatment centers and safe environments to effectively find long-term sobriety. As this awareness about overdose becomes more widespread public knowledge, the innovative approaches to treat all substance use disorders can help lower the fatalities even further and prevent racial disparities in the justice system.
If you want to learn how reducing drug-related harm can impact your life, NorthStar Transitions is here for you. It’s vital to seek help with substance misuse before it’s too late or leads to further irreversible damage. With our harm reduction strategies, we help those who come to our Boulder, Colorado, facility with a compassionate and caring team. Together, we can help you embark on the road to recovery and rediscover the opportunity to increase your motivation and chase your purpose in life. NorthStar Transitions knows overdose deaths can be preventable. Our targeted approach means that we create strategies dedicated to your specific situation and circumstances. Our treatment center has access to many resources and management options to help you find and sustain long-term recovery. We want to share our knowledge about the risks related to overdose and help you learn how to identify the right harm reduction strategy for you. For more information, contact NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400.
