Key Harm Reduction Issues

Stigma & Discrimination Against Drug Users
Perfectly Flawed works to end discrimination against people who use drugs by reducing the stigma associated with both recreational and problematic drug use and advocating for compassionate, judgment-free approaches to addiction.

 

Drug Overdose
Accidental drug overdose is currently the leading cause of death in the United States for those under 50. Most of these deaths are preventable. We are part of the effort to reduce drug overdose deaths by promoting sensible solutions and pragmatic strategies.

 

Naloxone
Naloxone is an inexpensive, FDA-approved generic drug that works to reverse an opioid overdose without any potential for abuse. Far too many people are still unable to access naloxone. We’re working to save lives by ensuring that more people are equipped with naloxone and are able to help in overdose emergencies. Since its approval by the FDA in 1971, naloxone has been a safe and effective tool in the arsenal of emergency responders and bystanders, saving hundreds of thousands of lives from opioid overdoses. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), American Society of Addiction Medicine, and the State of Illinois have joined the Center for Disease Control in supporting widespread access to naloxone. Naloxone has been a crucial strategy in reducing overdose deaths in Illinois.

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Good Samaritan Laws
People using illegal drugs often fear arrest if they call 911 when they witness an overdose. The best way to encourage them to seek medical help is to provide them immunity for drug law violations, an approach often referred to as Good Samaritan. This will ensure people do not hesitate to get live-saving help for someone who has overdosed. 

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Drug Checking
Drug checking (also known as pill testing or adulterant screening) allows people who use drugs to identify the substance they intend on taking and helps prevent harms associated with unknowingly consuming a substance adulterated with a dangerous contaminant like fentanyl.  Drug checking involves distribution of testing supplies, equipment and drug checking research to ensure we limit the risk associated with drug use and prevent overdose.

 

​Syringe Access

Syringe services programs (SSPs) are proven and effective community-based prevention programs that can provide a range of services, including access to and disposal of sterile syringes and injection equipment, vaccination, testing, and linkage to infectious disease care and substance use treatment. SSPs reach people who inject drugs, an often hidden and marginalized population. Nearly 30 years of research has shown that comprehensive SSPs are safe, effective, and cost-saving, do not increase illegal drug use or crime, and play an important role in reducing the transmission of viral hepatitis, HIV and other infections. Research shows that new users of SSPs are five times more likely to enter drug treatment and about three times more likely to stop using drugs than those who don’t use the programs. SSPs that provide naloxone also help decrease opioid overdose deaths. SSPs protect the public and first responders by facilitating the safe disposal of used needles and syringes.  For more information visit CDC. www.cdc.gov/ssp/syringe-services-programs-summary.html 

 

Supervised Consumption Services
Supervised consumption services (SCS), also called overdose prevention centers and supervised injection facilities (SIFs), are legally sanctioned facilities designed to reduce the health and public order issues often associated with public drug consumption by allowing on-site, supervised use of drugs.