Addiction is a pressing issue that affects communities nationwide, and Larimer County is no exception. In fact, one in ten residents in Larimer County suffers from addiction. Yet, less than one in ten of those individuals will receive the treatment they desperately need. This leaves over 23,000 community members in need of addiction care — a number large enough to fill the Blue Arena three times over.
For individuals and families affected by substance use, finding the right support can be overwhelming. As the opioid crisis in Colorado continues to escalate, harm reduction strategies have emerged as a compassionate and effective approach to supporting those who are struggling. These strategies focus on meeting people where they are, reducing the immediate risks associated with drug use, and providing a bridge to long-term recovery.
Understanding Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a public health strategy that seeks to minimize the negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm reduction strategies are designed to minimize the dangers of drug use while offering support and resources to those who may not be ready or able to stop using substances entirely. Instead of focusing solely on abstinence, these strategies aim to reduce harm and promote healthier behaviors in practical, non-judgmental ways.
Common harm reduction services include:
- Syringe exchange programs: Providing clean needles to reduce the risk of infections and the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
- Naloxone distribution: Offering life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
- Safe consumption sites: Providing supervised spaces where individuals can use substances in a safer environment, reducing the risk of overdose and connecting them with health services.
The goal of these programs is to keep people safe, healthy, and alive while also connecting them to the resources they need to eventually move toward recovery.
Why Harm Reduction Strategies Work
Harm reduction strategies are based on the belief that everyone deserves respect, dignity, and support, no matter where they are in their journey. These approaches recognize that recovery is not always a straightforward path and that keeping people safe in the meantime is a critical step.
Some of the key benefits of harm reduction include:
- Reducing overdose deaths: By providing access to naloxone and safe consumption sites, harm reduction strategies save lives and give people a chance to seek help when they’re ready.
- Building trust and connection: Many people struggling with addiction face stigma and isolation, which can make it harder to reach out for support. Harm reduction programs create safe, judgment-free environments where individuals feel accepted and are more likely to engage with services.
- Opening doors to treatment: Harm reduction isn’t just about preventing harm; it’s about creating opportunities for people to take the next step. Many harm reduction sites offer connections to treatment programs, health services, and peer support, guiding individuals toward recovery at their own pace.
How SummitStone Health Partners Can Help
At SummitStone Health Partners, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to recover and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, SummitStone provides resources and care that can make a difference:
- Same-Day Access: We offer immediate support through our Same-Day Access services, ensuring that help is available when it’s needed most.
- Withdrawal Management (Detox): This program provides a safe and supportive environment for those ready to begin their recovery.
- Peer Support Programs: Our Peers participate in over a dozen of our programs focused on things ranging from substance abuse to suicidal ideation to resource and system navigation and beyond.
Supporting a Loved One Struggling with Addiction
Encouraging your loved one to seek comprehensive addiction treatment is crucial for their long-term recovery.
If you’re interested in learning more about harm reduction strategies or need help for yourself or someone you care about, SummitStone Health Partners is here to assit. At SummitStone, we believe that people experiencing mental illness and addiction disorders can and do recover. We have been transforming lives through recovery, renewal, and respect for over 65 years by providing a wide range of behavioral health services in Larimer County. Our services for adolescents and adults are designed to meet the complex and overlapping needs of individuals struggling with addiction, including withdrawal management, therapy, vocational training, peer support, and more.
Harm reduction strategies save lives and offer hope to those who need it most. By meeting people where they are and providing compassionate support, these approaches make it possible for more individuals to find their way to recovery.