DTES support worker says recovery-oriented approach needs to replace harm reduction – BC [Video]

A cultural support worker who found sobriety in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) believes the harm reduction model needs to be replaced with a new approach that will get people the help they need to overcome addiction.

Rivers Stonechild, who was raised in the DTES, said the mayor’s plan to transform the troubled area by prioritizing accountability, recovery and public safety is a start.

Under the current system, Stonechild said drug users, many of whom have complex mental health issues, are stealing to support their substance use disorders and getting caught in a vicious cycle with no support.

“It’s like a never-ending revolving door,” said Stonechild. “You see people that are not in their right minds doing what they need to do to survive right, so it’s frustrating, it’s heartbreaking and some sort of change needs to occur.”

Mental health issues need to be addressed with proper supports, he said, while a model such as “reduced use” or …