Know More Drugs was founded to prevent overdoses and reshape outdated views on substance use and recovery. We educate with evidence-based facts, challenging the stigma and misconceptions that surround drug use and substance use disorder.
In 2023, there were about 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S., which is a 3% drop from the 111,029 deaths in 2022. While it's a small but positive step, the situation is still bleak. Fewer people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl, but deaths from drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine actually went up during that time.
The mission of Know More Drugs is directly aligned with addressing these evolving challenges. Our goal is not only to prevent overdoses but also to adapt to the ever changing landscape of substance use by providing education and harm reduction resources that reflect the current risks. The slight decline in overall deaths highlights the the positive impact of harm reduction efforts, yet the rise in stimulant-related fatalities reinforces the ongoing need for comprehensive education and support. By staying informed and proactive, Know More Drugs strives to help people make informed choices about their drug use and challenge the outdated thinking that continues to make the drug supply more dangerous.
Stigma and misunderstandings about substance use disorder keep reinforcing failed drug policies, leading to more preventable deaths. Now, more than ever, people need to learn the truth about substances and substance use disorder. Together we can prevent overdoses, challenge outdated views and promote a more compassionate understanding through evidence-based education.
More About Our Why:
Know More Drugs emerged from my deprogramming journey.
Over the years, I’ve spoken out about the limitations and harms of using the 12-step model as the default approach to recovery. I quickly realized how deeply the 12-step belief system is embedded, not just in those of us who have dealt with substance use disorder (SUD), but also in people who have never personally struggled with substances. Many in society have been led to believe that the 12-step, abstinence-only method is the "right" way to recover. However, we know this approach doesn’t work for most and has been harmful to so many. Those of us who don’t succeed with the 12-step model are often blamed for not “wanting it bad enough.” This was a key motivator in founding Know More Drugs. I wanted to create a space that challenges outdated narratives and offers a more comprehensive, evidence-based perspective on drug use and recovery. Know More Drugs was established to replace stigma and misinformation with facts and evidence based resources.
A central part of our mission is to dispel the myths perpetuated by misleading and outdated narratives, narratives shaped by the war on drugs propaganda and the rigid dogma of 12-step ideology.
At Know More Drugs, we are determined to destigmatize harm reduction resources and highlight the importance of harm reduction strategies that can help people use substances more safely. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, feels comfortable and supported when accessing these services. We want to make it clear that using harm reduction resources is a responsible and proactive choice, not something to be ashamed of.
Below are the key focus areas that guide our efforts at Know More Drugs:
Harm Reduction in the Hospitality Industry: Recognizing the hospitality industry as one of the top three sectors for overdose rates among workers, Know More Drugs is committed to raising awareness and providing overdose prevention education to the local industry. We provide overdose prevention training and free naloxone to hospitality workers, focusing on how to respond to overdoses among both fellow employees and patrons. Our initiative promotes safer environments in bars and nightlife settings, where the risk of overdose can be particularly high.
Supporting the Cannabis Community: We bring harm reduction and overdose prevention resources to cannabis events and dispensaries. By providing naloxone and other harm reduction education, we aim to bridge the gap between cannabis consumers and those who use other substances. Our goal is to foster unity in the fight against unjust drug policies and to create a supportive space for individuals who use cannabis as part of their recovery from other substances.
Advocacy for More Oversight in The Treatment Industry and Pushing For More Evidence-Based Treatment: Know More Drugs stands at the forefront of advocating for evidence-based treatment, challenging outdated and dogmatic approaches that have long dominated the recovery landscape. We believe in compassionate, research-backed methods for treating people with substance use disorder. We strive to bridge the gap between local recovery resources and harm reduction. Our efforts include bringing overdose prevention resources to recovery events and providing naloxone and overdose training to Massachusetts sober living homes, ensuring that those in recovery have access to life-saving tools.
Reentry: Know More Drugs is painfully aware of the heightened overdose risk following release from incarceration. We aim to equip the loved ones of those soon to be released with essential overdose prevention tools, including free naloxone. Our training offers guidance on creating a supportive environment for individuals reentering society. The goal is to one day work with the DOC (Department of Corrections) to bring harm reduction education and over prevention directly to individuals preparing for their release, ensuring they have the best chance at a safe transition.
Know More Drugs is more than an initiative; it is a movement to de-stigmatize substance use, empower individuals with the tools they need to stay safe and advocate for the systemic changes necessary to save lives. We are dedicated to creating a world where harm reduction is the norm, evidence-based treatment is accessible to all and every person is seen, heard and supported in their "life after chaotic drug use" journey.
Harm Reduction in Mass
In Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have a wealth of harm reduction resources available, including needle exchanges, naloxone distribution and drug checking services. These resources are vital in preventing overdoses and supporting people who use substances, offering them safer ways to manage their health. However, despite the availability of these life-saving services, stigma remains a significant barrier that prevents many people from accessing them.
The situation at Mass & Cass has unfortunately led to negative perceptions and misconceptions about harm reduction. Some people mistakenly blame harm reduction efforts for the city’s challenges, when in fact, harm reduction is not the problem, it’s part of the solution. Harm reduction has unfairly gotten a bad reputation, but it’s important to understand harm reduction is public health.
The current drug supply is so unpredictable and dangerous that everyone, from daily users to those who only use occasionally, are at risk. Harm reduction services provide essential support that can save lives across the board. We need to educate the community on the real value of harm reduction and work to end the stigma that prevents people from accessing these life-saving resources. By doing so, we can protect everyone in our community, ensuring that harm reduction is recognized as the vital, evidence backed approach it truly is.
Massachusetts stands at the forefront of harm reduction efforts. However, if we don't address the stigma that surrounds these services, we risk leaving many people behind. Our goal is to change the conversation around substance use and recovery make it clear that harm reduction is a crucial part of public health that benefits everyone in the community.
If you would like to volunteer and get involved with our mission email us at preventanoverdose@gmail.com