To all those who have helped with spreading harm reduction awareness,

I want to take the time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication to something larger than any one individual can accomplish. As the treatment landscape is ever growing and ever changing, we are at the forefront of bringing harm reduction into that landscape. As we continue to hone this craft and integrate harm reduction into the South Florida treatment model, we will be faced with continued opposition and potential disdain for the very thin....

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What are benzodiazepines, aka “benzos”, and why are they so dangerous? Benzodiazepines are a classification of drugs that act on the central nervous system. These drugs act as tranquilizers that are prescribed and produce sedation, muscle relaxation and lower anxiety. They may be prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, seizure control, and amnesia for uncomfortable procedures. ¹

Valium and Xanax are two types of benzodiazepines that are schedule IV controlled substanc....

 

Harm Reduction Saves Lives

A big part of our team’s work at Harm Reduction Center is educating our community about the importance and application of harm reduction. Recently, Harm Reduction Center met with the local synagogue Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach to provide a Narcan in-service. Our team was introduced to this opportunity by Dr. Alan Goodwin who has functioned as a large part of community awareness regarding substance abuse, harm reduction and education.

Daniel A....

Staying Sober During the Holidays

The holiday season is always a trying time of the year for a recovering alcoholic or addict, whether you are new to recovery or have many years sober. It can be a season of cheer or drear but the important thing to remember is that active addiction doesn’t have any seasons only the consequences of jails, institutions and death. Staying sober is a unique journey but there’s a common bond between those in recovery that can never be pulled apart. A helpful perspective is knowing that any time of yea....

Quitting cold turkey and Integrated MAT

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is recommended by the United States Department of Health & Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)¹. Integrated MAT combines FDA-approved medications and mental health services like counseling and behavioral therapies. This holistic approach is quite the controversial topic but has proven to be a safe alternative to overcoming an addiction “cold turkey”. Integrated MAT begins with medications to he....

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction is the practice of using interventions that reduce the risk of the worst possible outcome in addiction. While there is an emphasis on the significance and importance of abstinence, harm reduction accepts that not everyone is ready to stop abusing drugs but respects the safety of those in active addiction without passing judgement. In the past, addiction has been viewed as some sort of moral failing and as time has progressed it is widely recognized that addiction is a chronic disorder of ....