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Evaluation Video ViewAttendees 3

Workshop A

Opioid Abuse as a Public Health Crisis and Overdose as an Epidemic

A2 - Breaking Down the Harm Reduction and Addiction Treatment Divide

Monday, October 6, 2025
10:30am - 12:00pm EST
Location: Salon E-H
Earn 1.5 CE Hour(s)
Presentation Summary: The persistent divide between harm reduction and traditional addiction treatment approaches remains a significant barrier to providing comprehensive care for individuals with substance use disorders. This presentation, featuring Liz Evans and John Hamilton, aims to bridge this divide by discussing innovative models and examples that effectively engage hard-to-reach populations. The session will emphasize both practical interventions and the cultural shifts needed within treatment teams to foster an emotionally safe environment for clients and staff, ensuring inclusive and effective care.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants will:
  • Highlight innovative harm reduction models: managed alcohol programs (MAPs), Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), and overdose prevention centers as effective strategies for engaging hard-to-reach populations.
  • Describe integrated care approaches: how harm reduction and traditional addiction treatment can be synergized to offer a continuum of care that respects and supports various recovery paths.
  • Identify cultural changes needed within treatment teams to create emotionally safe environments that do not alienate abstinent clients while embracing harm reduction principles. As well as addressing trauma, advocating for human rights, and incorporating social justice principles are integral to effective addiction treatment.