LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Joe Trotter, Harm Reduction Program Coordinator at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, traveled to Paris to be the keynote speaker during a recent Bridge to Recovery event at First Baptist Church. The event was organized by East Central Illinois ROSC, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Edgar County Public Health Department.
Substance use disorder and the complexities surrounding it are often misunderstood, leading to stigma, misinformation and an inability to effectively support those struggling with addiction. Trotter addressed these issues head-on, presenting valuable insights on harm reduction strategies, syringe exchange programs and the importance of changing how we view and speak about people affected by substance use disorder.
One of the primary goals of Trotter’s program is to provide resources and support to individuals battling substance use disorder, particularly those who inject drugs. Trotter’s program in Champaign is part of a health department initiative that began in 2009 and now serves as a critical part of the community. The program, which began by distributing 2,000 syringes in its first year, has grown exponentially, with over 220,000 syringes distributed in the past year alone. In addition, since 2021, the program has distributed over 14,000 kits of Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
A key component of the discussion was addressing the “why” behind drug use. Drug use, especially injection drug use, is a complex issue. People often use drugs because they provide immediate relief or a sense of pleasure. For example, substances like caffeine and sugar are also drugs that many people use regularly, though they are not stigmatized in the same way as street drugs. Trotter emphasized that drug use has been a part of human history for millennia and that the feeling of euphoria or relief is one reason why people continue to use substances.
Trotter also delved into why some individuals may choose to inject drugs, a practice that is often driven by economic factors. Injecting drugs can provide a quicker and stronger high, and for those struggling with limited resources, it is a more cost-effective method. By injecting, individuals can stretch the use of a smaller amount of a substance, making it last longer. This economic pressure, rather than an inherent desire to harm oneself, is a crucial factor to understand.
Beyond the immediate effects of drug use, Trotter highlighted the risks associated with injection, such as the transmission of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, and the danger of bacterial infections due to repeated needle use. This is where harm reduction programs like syringe exchange come in—they provide clean syringes to reduce the spread of these diseases, offer education on safe injection practices and dispose of used syringes properly to prevent injury and infection in the broader community.
One of the most significant challenges in addressing substance use is the stigma surrounding it. Trotter pointed out that stigma is one of the most significant barriers to recovery, as it prevents individuals from seeking help and receiving the support they need. The language we use plays a major role in perpetuating this stigma. For example, terms like “addict” or “abuser” can dehumanize people, making them feel judged and isolated. Trotter encouraged the audience to adopt more respectful language, such as referring to someone as a “person with a substance use disorder” or “in recovery,” which recognizes their humanity and struggles while offering a more supportive framework.
Trotter concluded with practical advice on how to approach people struggling with substance use, emphasizing the importance of offering support rather than judgment, encouraging communities to create environments where individuals feel safe to ask for help. It is crucial that people struggling with substance use disorder have access to nonjudgmental resources that allow them to receive the care and support they need to recover.