A Holistic & Practical Approach for Addressing Opioid Substance Use Disorder-Burton

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker, Barry Burton, presents current harm reduction practices for opioid use disorder, especially among people who inject drugs. He defines harm reduction as practical, public health–based strategies that reduce the negative consequences of drug use without judgment. Key topics include syringe service programs, which can cut HIV and hepatitis C transmission and connect people to healthcare, detox, vaccination, testing, and treatment resources. He discusses available supplies such as safer sex kits, wound care kits, sharps disposal, and sterile injection materials, while noting that some federal funds cannot purchase needles directly. He also covers safer alternatives to injection, including smoking and rectal administration, and emphasizes low dead-space syringes to reduce infection risk. A major concern is xylazine-related wounds, for which home wound care supplies and guidance are helpful. Overall, the talk argues that meeting people where they are can reduce harm, build trust, and support eventual recovery.

Asset Caption

Dr. Burton Harm Reduction Recording

Keywords

harm reduction

opioid use disorder

syringe service programs

xylazine-related wounds

sterile injection materials