Written By : Shelley Lewis RD, LD, CDE (Last Updated on April 22, 2024)
When it comes to people with addiction, we want to take the best care of them. That’s why it is important that we provide them with compassionate care so they are less likely to harm themselves. It is important to find a company that helps ensure that a recovering addict will be able to receive the best care possible.
Those undergoing a treatment plan for their addiction is no easy task. However, it’s always a good idea to provide them with the compassionate care that goes along with it. If you or someone you know is dealing with an addiction, keep reading.
We’ll be talking more about harm reduction and compassionate care. Let’s get started.
Harm Reduction: An advocacy group for those addicted
While addiction will affect people no matter their race, gender, or walk of life, there is a lack of compassionate care amongst those who are seeking help. This can be due to the fact that social inequity can play a role.
For this reason, the Harm Reduction Coalition was conceived to fight this issue. This was designed to insure that drug addicts (especially those recovering) had rights including their right to access health care when they need it. There have been people who may have been denied treatment because of their drug addiction.
Because of this, it provides missed opportunities to help those that are looking to solve their addiction problem rather than continue it. Addiction is seen as a sign of a lack of self-control because of the number of relapses that occur.
Plus, there are professionals in the health care and mental health field that may show a negative attitude towards addicts. They even show this in the most subtle way possible. This may be a cause for concern considering that persons that are addicted are looking to put themselves on a path towards the better.
However, the reality is that this negative attitude won’t be much of a help. That’s because the potentially recovering addict may feel like it would be a waste of time seeking help. So it would be the smart thing to provide compassionate care for those who don’t want to further their drug addiction.
What can be done to provide more compassionate care?
Answer to this question has become clear. It’s to make sure that health care professionals set aside their personal feelings about drug addiction and act in a professional manner. It has been known that a person’s negative attitude towards addiction may discourage someone to disclose their struggle and seek help in the process.
This is unacceptable. On top of that, the media has also portrayed and stigmatized drug addiction to an extent. They have painted a picture that a drug addict was weak and helpless.
However, it is important for you to know that this isn’t the case. If you are an addict, you have made a bad lapse in judgment. It’s a mistake that can be rectified if you choose to get the help you deserve.
Addiction continues to become a problem here in the United States. It’s hard to explain as to why there is such negative backlash and resentment towards those that have made poor choices in life. What needs to be said is that no one is perfect.
We are all human and prone to make mistakes. Think of the last time you made a major mistake that may have altered your life? Drug addiction is like that.
It’s important to understand that those dealing with drug addiction are starting to see the toll it’s taking on their life. Not only is it taking a physical and mental toll, but also a financial one as well. Many people may not be able to afford drug rehab or detox services out of pocket.
So for that reason, they will need to rely on other payment methods such as their insurance, Medicaid, or any other payment method that fits their needs and financial situation. This can be a struggle for them money wise in terms of beating an even greater issue.
What caregivers and health professionals need to understand is we are human. So are addicts themselves. While it may be a struggle to lose the negative attitude and sentiments, it should be important to focus on the patient’s health and recovery rather than our own emotions.
That’s why the Harm Reduction Coalition is aiming to make sure that professionals approach drug addicts with a caring, compassionate attitude. Especially when someone is looking to seek help for their addiction. It’s important to shut off your ‘true emotions’ and operate in a professional and courteous manner.
The mission is clear
In the future, it should be incumbent upon healthcare professionals to do their job as needed. Especially when it comes to taking care of those dealing with a drug addiction. It should be a good idea to approach this in a non-judgemental way.
No one person should ever have to be denied any kind of care because they are a drug addict. It is important for someone to set aside their personal feelings and do the job they need to do. The last thing you want to do is give them another reason to continue their addiction.
You can be compassionate and that might be enough to save their life (or at least play that role in part).
Final Thoughts
Addicts deserve the best care they need regardless of their status. It is important for medical care staff to show compassion when taking care of those who may be addicted to drugs or alcohol. The negative stigma that goes along with it is doing more harm than good.
The future of addiction care belongs to those who are willing to set aside their personal feelings and do their job. The more people do this, the better people will feel about seeking help. Plus, it will give them the confidence in beating their addiction rather than struggle with it all the time.
