For this episode, we visit the wondrous folks who run OnPoint NYC, an overdose prevention center. They base their work in the principles of harm reduction, which we explore in this episode. And we also talk to Toni Smith, the New York State Director at Drug Policy Alliance. Together they explain the futility and danger of trying to control addiction by punishing people for drug use. Full transcript and related links at https://www.beyondpunishment.org/problem-with-punishment/ep2-problem-with-punishing-addiction

The Problem with Punishing Addiction

Introduction to Punishment in Society

Harlem's Innovative Solutions to Social Issues

On Point NYC's Compassionate Approach to Addiction

How has it been going to use punishment to solve the problem of drug use?

The Ineffectiveness of Punishing Drug Use

Environmental Factors and the Cycle of Addiction

Systemic Issues in Treatment Failures

Societal Views and Stigma Around Drug Use

Understanding Drug Use and Individual Struggles

Impact of Overdoses in NYC

What is harm reduction and how does it work in the context of drug use?

Harm Reduction Explained by Tony Smith

Compassionate Treatment and Stigma Reduction

What is the role and impact of overdose prevention centers in the United States?

Importance of Overdose Prevention Centers

Rehumanizing Drug Users and Family Support

Call to Action and Acknowledgments

The Problem with Punishment is a podcast about how our cultural obsession with punishment has led to painful failures to address some of the most pressing issues we face. And even worse when punishment fails, the pain of that doesn’t fall equally across communities. But some New Yorkers have felt that pain and decided that we can do better. We’ll meet innovators, risk-takers – people who are committed to being problem-solvers and have figured out strategies that work better than punishment, and are doing them in the real world.