Ep. 1 - Seeking to Reduce Harm: Dr. Rick Csiernik, Professor of Social Work and Author

Seeking to Reduce Harm: Decriminalization, Harm Reduction and The United Church of Canada

This introductory podcast features Dr. Rick Csiernik, a professor in the Province of Ontario but someone who has studied and engaged harm reduction, substance use, and social services from both the front lines to academics. Dr. Csiernik has written many books about drug use and our relationship with these conversations that are worth noting (many of these resources are at the bottom of the page). This podcast is a good introductory piece into the conversations that will be explored throughout this series.
Line Up

Introduction

Scripture Reading – James 2: 14-26

Conversation – Dr. Rick Csiernik

Hymn –Ladder to the Stars

Words: Gordon Light

Music: Gordon Light

Performed by: The Common Cup Collective

Permission received from the author and performer.

Blessing

Considerations

- Rick invites us to consider the ways in which we engage stigma in the conversation regarding drug use in this country, particuarly the difference between legal and illicit substances. We invite you to wonder about these considerations, why is it that so often our society treats the two so differently?

- Rick talks about the structures and our engagement with them, recognizing that the church needs to be engaged in the wider conversation. We invite you to consider the ways in which your community of faith and yourself as a Christian, may engage further in this conversation. How can we move from engaging people who utilize substances as being “the problem” to recognizing that the structures society has set up is actually the problem?

Resources

Wilfrid Laurier University program in Addictions

https://continuingeducation.wlu.ca/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=1050276&?ref=professional-development%2Ffsw-professional-development%2Fcertificates%2Faddictions-certificate.html

Books:

The Drug Paradox: An Introduction to the Sociology of Psychoactive Substances in

Canada

By Tara L. Bruno and Rick Csiernik

Susbtance Use and Abuse: Everything Matters

By Rick Csiernik

Responding to the Oppression of Addiction: Canadian Social Work Perspectives

Edited by Rick Csiernik and William S. Rowe

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