In this episode, Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a triple-board-certified psychiatrist, hosts Stephen Murray, the Harm Reduction Program Manager at Boston Medical Center. Stephen's unique professional and personal experiences provide a rich perspective on the field of harm reduction, addiction treatment, and the opioid crisis. Stephen Murray is not only a respected figure in harm reduction but also a recently retired paramedic with lived experience as a person who used drugs and overdose survivor.

Throughout this conversation, we delve into crucial topics such as explaining what harm reduction is and is not, the changing attitudes within the medical community, the impact of naloxone (Narcan) in overdose prevention, and much more. Stephen also sheds light on the intersectionality of mental health and substance use disorders and the importance of addressing social determinants of health in harm reduction efforts.

This episode is a must-listen for mental health professionals, individuals impacted by substance use, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of working in this field. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in the mental health field, and don't forget to share with those who could benefit from this discussion!

Connect with Stephen Murray:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephenHRNRPLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen01247

#HarmReduction #OpioidCrisis #MentalHealth #Narcan

Chapters 0:00 Intro 7:16 What is harm reduction? 13:12 Stephen's lived experience 24:34 Being an overdose survivor 32:09 Shift from criminalization...to medicalization? 35:38 Overdose risks 42:23 Narcan (naloxone) and its role 50:33 Message for medical world 56:42 Twitter Q&As 69:33 Wrap-up__________________________________________Let's connect on all my socials (linktr.ee/sulmanazizmirzamd for everything everywhere all at once):TikTok (@TheKicksShrink): https://tiktok.com/@thekicksshrinkInstagram (@TheKicksShrink): https://instagram.com/thekicksshrinkYouTube (@TheKicksShrink): https://youtube.com/thekicksshrinkTwitter (@sulmoney): https://twitter.com/sulmoneyAudio only PodcastsAnchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/thekicksshrinkSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/hveys2cdApple: https://tinyurl.com/32mvzu8bGoogle: https://tinyurl.com/2p977brsDISCLAIMER: This video is purely informational and educational and does not constitute medical advice and/or recommendations. Use of information is at your own risk, and expresses my own personal views and opinions, not those of any of my employers. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death. In the event of any medical emergency or safety concerns, please go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7: 800.273.8255 or 988 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online chat options

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