When it comes to addiction, most of us have been taught that success means total abstinence and failure means relapse. But that rigid framework leaves a lot of people behind. Harm reduction offers a different approach—one rooted in compassion, science, and meeting people where they are.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sheila Vakharia, Deputy Director of Research and Academic Engagement at the Drug Policy Alliance, to talk about what harm reduction looks like in practice. From syringe exchange programs to overdose prevention sites, Sheila shares how these strategies are transforming the way we understand recovery, public health, and even our relationships with loved ones who struggle.

This is not just a conversation about policy—it’s about empathy, dignity, and the power of expanding our definition of healing.Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• Why the abstinence-only model of addiction treatment doesn’t work for everyone—and how harm reduction offers a more inclusive alternative.

• Practical strategies that reduce risk, prevent overdoses, and create safer pathways to recovery.

• How embracing harm reduction can help us show up with more compassion and effectiveness for the people we love.
  

Xxoo Darcy

PS: If you found this episode eye-opening, make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a conversation that could change the way you think about relationships, recovery, and resilience. And if you love the show, leaving a review helps others discover We Need to Talk with Dr. Darcy Sterling.

REFERENCES/RESOURCES

www.alternativescounseling.com

The Harm Reduction Gap: Helping Individuals Left Behind by Conventional Drug Prevention and Abstinence-Only Addiction Treatment.

sheilavakharia.com

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-016-0584-3

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/16066359.2021.1900129

https://www.momaps1.org/en/programs/558-love-rules

CREDITS

“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen. 

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