Harm Reduction
Meeting people where they are, but not leaving them there.
At our core, we are a harm reduction program. We work diligently to help reduce potential harm, employing strategies that convey understanding, care, and realism. Our team meets participants where they are and works with them, not against them. Harm reduction does not attempt to minimize or ignore the real harm and dangers associated with drug use and other risk behaviors.
People First Language.
A person is more than their struggles and not defined by their illness or behaviors. Creating a culture of wholeness and avoiding stigmatizing language is essential to create a space where people feel safe to access services. At Elevate Healthcare we focus on the whole person and refrain from using terms like “addict,” as well as “dirty” or “clean.”
Reducing Overdose Risk.
Use slow and use less. A little goes a long way with fentanyl (compared to heroin) and overdoses can occur quickly.
Try snorting or smoking instead of injecting. Injecting carries the highest risk for overdose, so shifting to snorting or smoking may help reduce risk. A person can still overdose by smoking or snorting, especially with fentanyl, so start slow.
Space out doses. Take time between doses because fentanyl acts fast and is different for everyone, depending on dose and tolerance.
Practice extra caution when using alone. We’re safer together, but it’s not always possible to be with a friend you trust. Try to have someone you know check on you if you have to use alone so they can intervene in the event of an overdose.
In a group? Stagger your use. Make sure someone is always alert and that at least one person has naloxone on them.
Test it. Knowing what’s in drugs can help with the decision of how much and how best to use them. Ask our team about Fentanyl Test Strips.
Always carry naloxone. Be familiar with the signs of an overdose and be prepared to respond with naloxone.
Listen to your body. Overall health impacts overdose risk. Hydrate, eat, and rest as much as possible.
