A Pan-African Approach to Addiction and Harm Reduction

In Search of Black Power

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2021 had the highest rate of death by overdose in American history, with over 100,000 Americans dead.
In opposition to the "Just Say No" ideology of the 80's and 90's - harm reduction rejects abstinence-only dogma and promotes "any positive change" toward more healthy and more controlled substance use. It has has received more attention and some federal funding. Yet in the Black community, who has faced decades of addiction struggle - some have raised issues with harm reduction apparently "libertarian" and 'permissive" attitude toward drug use.
Lawrence and Rasheem talk about the racial dynamics of addiction and harm reduction. They cover critiques of 12 Step/Narcotics Anonymous, the need for harm reduction, and legitimate critiques of harm reduction. This willl explain the reticence of some Black community members towards harm reduction and give recommendations for a more racially equitable harm reduction movement.

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In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS).
The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)