Substance Use Disorder & MAT

Fastening a seatbelt before driving a vehicle, applying sunscreen before a day at the beach, and putting on a helmet before riding a bicycle are strategies many use to reduce the harm associated with potentially risky every day activities. The desire to stay safe is a natural instinct, particularly when the health and wellness of ourselves and those around us may be at risk. Recognizing this risk and taking steps to protect ourselves is the foundation of harm reduction.

Our most basic needs for survival are food, water, warmth, and rest, but a person is only able to maintain these things if they first have safety and security. Housing First is a philosophical approach that says, let’s start with a permanent place to live.

Those closest to the problem are closest to the solutions.