Maggie Luna on celebrating people who’ve overcome their addictions and honoring those we’ve lost to overdose

Maggie Luna (Leading with Conviction™ 2021) writes in The Austin Chronicle:

“September is Recovery Month, a time to celebrate people who’ve overcome their addictions and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. Overdose is a leading cause of death for people forced to live outside, a finding from our community’s first Unhoused Mortality Report set to be released by the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) this fall. The Texas Harm Reduction Alliance and Communities for Recovery are leading the charge to unite the harm reduction and recovery communities and provide our unhoused friends the resources and support they need to break the cycle of homelessness, harmful substance use, and criminal legal system involvement.

Arresting people for being homeless doesn’t end their homelessness, just like arresting people for using drugs doesn’t end their addiction.

“Arresting people for being homeless doesn’t end their homelessness, just like arresting people for using drugs doesn’t end their addiction. What does is access to housing and harm reduction options that meet people where they are, paired with comprehensive supports to avoid becoming homeless again. …

“Recovery from trauma associated with homelessness and addiction exists on a continuum. Rigid definitions of recovery hinder progress; abstinence is a form of harm reduction, as are Naloxone vending machines. But there is much more between these two bookends than many people realize. Recovery housing options that offer grace, forgiveness, and respite must be abundant, acknowledging that relapse can happen. Current abstinence-only models exclude many, underscoring the need for harm reduction-based support.

“While not a necessary step for success, for many, abstinence is vital early on as they build their delicate recovery foundations. Supportive housing models effectively address the dual challenges of homelessness and substance use. These programs provide a roof over someone’s head paired with integrated services such as mental health care, addiction treatment, and job training. Evidence shows supportive housing significantly reduces substance use and improves overall well-being.”

Read the full article at AustinChronicle.com.

(Photo above: Pu Ying Huang)