Labeled as “drug-seeking”: nurses use harm reduction philosophy to reflect on mending mutual distrust between healthcare workers and people who use drugs

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1277562
• Publication Date: 2023-10-16T15:28:06Z
• Authors: Sarah Febres-Cordero; Rebecca O. Shasan...; Athena D. F. Sherman
• Keywords: harm reduction; Distrust

Introduction Over 50 years of approaching drug use from the “War on Drugs” has led to ignoring systemic structural and social determinants health, enforced stigma, damaging stereotypes people who drugs or are labeled as “drug-seeking,” sorely failed support those needing assistance. On philosophy harm reduction power People often disenfranchised pathologized by being “a addict,” which then serves a rationalization for mistreatment healthcare providers. This is in opposition harm-reduction approach. Harm an epistemic valuation necessary stigma our moral obligation reduce interlocking systems that perpetuate harm. drug-seeking, mistrust, human rights We have encountered many clients report harmful interactions with issue health equity, justice, fundamental rights. paper presents three vignettes, author’s experiences as—and advocating family members “drug-seeking.” Discussion To better serve providers, workers must be equipped work reinforce justice commitment against medical neglect, racism, inadequate pain coverage withdrawal treatment. Nurses lens can meet challenge complex intersectional issues affecting develop more just equitable advance rebuilding trusting relationship we serve.