Use + Harm Reduction

RIP Rod Skager, a Pioneer in Harm Reduction Drug Education

When my children entered adolescence in the 1980s and ‘90s, the War on Drugs was in full swing. “Just Say…

June 10, 2021

New York Poised to Finally Decriminalize Syringe Possession

A six-year effort to decriminalize syringe possession for drug use in New York is finally gaining ground. On June 7,…

June 9, 2021

Detox Was the Right Choice for Me—Even If I Don’t Plan on Abstinence

Not everyone goes to detox to become abstinent. People go for all kinds of reasons—reasons that may change from one…

June 8, 2021

San Francisco’s Vape Flavor Ban Saw More Teens Start Smoking

In the summer of 2018, San Francisco residents voted overwhelmingly to ban the sale of flavored nicotine vaping products (as…

June 7, 2021

Drug Use Is Perfectly Compatible With Good Parenting

Many of us are parenting while using drugs. Sometimes with a single drink at dinner; sometimes with criminalized substances; sometimes…

June 2, 2021

Amazon Ends Most Marijuana Testing for Employees, Backs MORE Act

Amazon said on June 1 that it will stop drug testing many of its workers for marijuana and will instead…

June 2, 2021

“This Lid Is Not Right!”—Arbitrarily Losing My Methadone Take-Homes

“Wake up!" my wife screamed for the thousandth time, her normally calm speaking voice edging into anger. The rubber band…

June 1, 2021

LA County to Target Naloxone Distribution to Unhoused Residents

With a rising rate of opioid-involved overdose deaths among unhoused residents, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors took action…

May 26, 2021

Arizona Finally Decriminalizes Syringe Service Programs

On May 24, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill decriminalizing syringe service programs (SSP) within the state. The new…

May 26, 2021

Harm Reduction Deserts: When Services Are Miles or Hours Away

Between stigma and bureaucratic challenges, accessing methadone and other medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can be an uphill battle…

May 26, 2021