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For Drug Users, By Drug Users

In the Media

Top Posts & Pages

Syringe Exchanges in Tennessee
Tennessee's #1 Harm Reduction Resource
Why Meth Is Adulterated With Fentanyl
Using Opioid Equianalgesic Charts to Determine Equivalent Doses of Different Kinds of Opioids
Common Opioid Potentiators and How They Affect Opioids
Understanding Syringe Access in Rural Middle and West Tennessee
Where Can I Find Syringes and Naloxone in Tennessee?
Jackson Law Enforcement Quietly Conducts Prostitution Sting Over the Weekend
How Mailing Syringes to Drug Users Helps — The Merits of Mail-Based Supply Distribution
Resources for You

A Law Every Tennessean Should Know About — T.C.A. § 40-7-124

I’m not an attorney. I’ve never practiced law. As a long-term drug user, unfortunately, I’ve had a few run-ins with … Continue reading A Law Every Tennessean Should Know About — T.C.A. § 40-7-124 →

January 15, 2022

CONFIRMED: Jackson Law Enforcement Quietly Conducts Prostitution Sting Over the Weekend

Per local news outlet WBBJ’s most recent publication of mugshots, which span the period from Friday, Dec. 3, to Monday, … Continue reading CONFIRMED: Jackson Law Enforcement Quietly Conducts Prostitution Sting Over the Weekend →

December 7, 2021December 29, 2021

Jackson Law Enforcement Quietly Conducts Prostitution Sting Over the Weekend

Local law enforcement allegedly carried out a prostitution sting in Jackson, Tennessee, arresting at least one local sex worker in … Continue reading Jackson Law Enforcement Quietly Conducts Prostitution Sting Over the Weekend →

December 5, 2021December 29, 2021

Still No Additional Evidence to Support Tennessee Law Enforcement Agency’s May 30th Claim of Accidental Airborne Fentanyl Exposure Overdose

On June 18, a news report was released by Huntsville, Alabama’s WHNT 19 News claiming a deputy had overdosed on … Continue reading Still No Additional Evidence to Support Tennessee Law Enforcement Agency’s May 30th Claim of Accidental Airborne Fentanyl Exposure Overdose →

July 24, 2020February 24, 2021

As Part of Drug Bust, South Carolina Indicts 3 on Wrongful Naloxone Possession Charges

On Wednesday, July 22, an Ashley Nichole Pulliam, William Keith Gary, Jr., and Juan Francisco Esquivel were each charged by … Continue reading As Part of Drug Bust, South Carolina Indicts 3 on Wrongful Naloxone Possession Charges →

July 23, 2020February 24, 2021

The “Community Guide”

Jane, 52, is a long-term sex worker and often-problematic drug user. She preferred cocaine for some two decades, drifting in … Continue reading The “Community Guide” →

July 5, 2020February 24, 2021

Suspected Novel Psychoactive Substance Outbreak in Northwest Tennessee — Fatal Opioid Overdose Risk Increases Thanks to Coronavirus

I live in Northwest Tennessee, also known as Region 6N by the state (at least as far as Regional Overdose … Continue reading Suspected Novel Psychoactive Substance Outbreak in Northwest Tennessee — Fatal Opioid Overdose Risk Increases Thanks to Coronavirus →

June 13, 2020February 24, 2021

A Chronic Pain Patient’s Guide to Kratom

Mitragyna speciosa is the fancy taxonomical name for kratom, a deciduous evergreen* tree native to Southeast Asia that’s in the … Continue reading A Chronic Pain Patient’s Guide to Kratom →

May 30, 2020February 24, 2021

Harm Reduction Isn’t Inclusive — Here’s Why

Right off the bat, let’s get shit straight. Not everybody in harm reduction (HR) is unwelcoming. Not everybody in HR … Continue reading Harm Reduction Isn’t Inclusive — Here’s Why →

May 28, 2020February 24, 2021

Ya Either Quit or Ya Don’t — Redefining “Recovery”

I grew up with a super-problematic drug user of a mother. For her, someone who couldn’t ever use drugs responsibly, … Continue reading Ya Either Quit or Ya Don’t — Redefining “Recovery” →

May 25, 2020February 24, 2021

Not Accepting People’s Drug Use Leads to Potentially-Deadly Consequences

Oftentimes, as drug users, we’re close to people who don’t support our drug use. When you’re a long-term, often-problematic drug … Continue reading Not Accepting People’s Drug Use Leads to Potentially-Deadly Consequences →

May 18, 2020February 24, 2021

I Quit Smoking by Vaping — But Now I’m Taking More Nicotine Than Ever Before

The story of how I got hooked on cigarettes is funny. Well, not “ha ha” funny, but strange — that’s … Continue reading I Quit Smoking by Vaping — But Now I’m Taking More Nicotine Than Ever Before →

May 14, 2020February 24, 2021

Pharmacy Hopping — A Nearly-Unavoidable Reality

Alright. So, I’m prescribed Suboxone® and a stimulant. Won’t say which one, but you could guess its name and probably … Continue reading Pharmacy Hopping — A Nearly-Unavoidable Reality →

May 14, 2020February 24, 2021

Why Vaping, Chronic Pain Patient, and Harm Reduction Advocates Need to Join Hands

As of now, the phrase “harm reduction” is generally associated with illicit drugs — particularly “hard” drugs like opioids (e.g., … Continue reading Why Vaping, Chronic Pain Patient, and Harm Reduction Advocates Need to Join Hands →

May 11, 2020February 24, 2021

Joining Forces Between Chronic Pain Patient and Drug User Advocates — a Worthwhile Endeavor

If you go to any chronic pain community on social media, Internet forums, or elsewhere, you’ll quickly find patients — … Continue reading Joining Forces Between Chronic Pain Patient and Drug User Advocates — a Worthwhile Endeavor →

May 8, 2020February 24, 2021

We Gotta Start Associating Harm Reduction With Tobacco and Vaping More

The phrase “harm reduction” is most often associated with drugs and, to a much lesser extent, sex work — specifically, … Continue reading We Gotta Start Associating Harm Reduction With Tobacco and Vaping More →

May 8, 2020February 24, 2021

Let’s Start Using “PWLE” in Place of “People With Lived Experience”

We’re all familiar with “people who use drugs” (PWUD) — a person-first phrasing now-often used in place of once-more-common alternatives … Continue reading Let’s Start Using “PWLE” in Place of “People With Lived Experience” →

May 7, 2020February 24, 2021

Why’s Heroin the “Devil’s Drug”? Unpacking This Crock of Horseshit

I admit — haven’t got anything revolutionary here. Really, in this piece, I’m thinking out loud more than anything. Growing … Continue reading Why’s Heroin the “Devil’s Drug”? Unpacking This Crock of Horseshit →

May 7, 2020February 24, 2021

An Easy Guide to Understanding Why Fentanyl Is So Deadly

Want to finally understand why you hear about fentanyl all the time? Maybe without reading a novel or some complicated … Continue reading An Easy Guide to Understanding Why Fentanyl Is So Deadly →

May 3, 2020February 24, 2021

Why We Need “The Big Book of Harm Reduction”

Since I first learned about and became interested in harm reduction — they virtually happened simultaneously some three years ago … Continue reading Why We Need “The Big Book of Harm Reduction” →

April 26, 2020February 24, 2021

Why Tennessee Lacks a Harm Reduction Infrastructure

Here in Tennessee, we ain’t got shit in the way of harm reduction. We’ve got six syringe services programs (SSP). … Continue reading Why Tennessee Lacks a Harm Reduction Infrastructure →

April 26, 2020February 24, 2021

How Online Drug Reporting Yields Better Harm Reduction

When I used to regularly browse Reddit’s r/Opiates subreddit, I’d sometimes see posts titled “Fentanyl Warning: (City, State).” Even though … Continue reading How Online Drug Reporting Yields Better Harm Reduction →

April 25, 2020February 24, 2021

Current American Medication-Assisted Treatment Conventions Aren’t All Ideal

While medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs across the country have reduced harm that enrollees otherwise would have experienced without enrolling, some … Continue reading Current American Medication-Assisted Treatment Conventions Aren’t All Ideal →

April 18, 2020February 24, 2021

What Do Tennessee’s Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) Do?

Nestled deep inside the Bible Belt, Tennessee is big on tradition and conservative values. As you might imagine, harm reduction … Continue reading What Do Tennessee’s Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) Do? →

April 17, 2020February 24, 2021

Understanding Syringe Access in Rural Middle and West Tennessee

West Tennessee, a 21-county area home to roughly 1.56 million people over 10,650 squre miles, is home to two three … Continue reading Understanding Syringe Access in Rural Middle and West Tennessee →

April 17, 2020January 6, 2022

Where Drug Users’ Unions May Fall Short

People who use drugs, especially their often-problematic counterparts, are given a bad name. Here in the United States, a campaign … Continue reading Where Drug Users’ Unions May Fall Short →

April 16, 2020February 24, 2021

“People Who Use Drugs”—Slow Your Roll on Person-First Language Like This

In recent years, harm reductionists have pushed to call drug users “people who use drugs” as opposed to “drug abusers,” … Continue reading “People Who Use Drugs”—Slow Your Roll on Person-First Language Like This →

April 16, 2020February 24, 2021

How Current Tennessee Laws Affect Drug Users

Without laws, uncivil action would permeate society. Laws are essential to maintaining order. Few of us would be willing to … Continue reading How Current Tennessee Laws Affect Drug Users →

April 13, 2020February 24, 2021

What Can You Do to Advocate for Harm Reduction and Drug Policy Reform Here in Tennessee?

If you’re reading this, chances have it you probably support harm reduction or drug policy reform, if not both. While … Continue reading What Can You Do to Advocate for Harm Reduction and Drug Policy Reform Here in Tennessee? →

April 12, 2020February 24, 2021

Proving Facts and Dispelling Myths About Drugs

We’ve all heard heard dozens of fellow users spout countless inaccuracies, misleading statements, and flat-out incorrect assertions about drugs, drug … Continue reading Proving Facts and Dispelling Myths About Drugs →

April 9, 2020February 24, 2021

How Mailing Syringes to Drug Users Helps — The Merits of Mail-Based Supply Distribution

People like San Francisco’s Tracey Helton and organizations like New York City’s NEXT Distro have long distributed syringes, naloxone, and other harm … Continue reading How Mailing Syringes to Drug Users Helps — The Merits of Mail-Based Supply Distribution →

April 7, 2020February 24, 2021

Uproar Follows Philadelphia’s Supervised Injection Site—But Is It Well-Placed?

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has long been one of the heroin hotspots of the United States. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports have … Continue reading Uproar Follows Philadelphia’s Supervised Injection Site—But Is It Well-Placed? →

March 19, 2020February 24, 2021

How to Properly Dispose of Syringes and Other Drug-Related Equipment

In some places, such as Tennessee, possessing syringes after they’ve been used to inject drugs is illegal. As someone who’s … Continue reading How to Properly Dispose of Syringes and Other Drug-Related Equipment →

March 7, 2020February 24, 2021

Stop Demonizing Synthetic Opioids

While it’s true that fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, writers and reporters have widely placed undue blame on fentanyl’s synthetic nature for causing the opioid crisis.

February 23, 2020February 24, 2021

I’m Burnt Out from Practicing Harm Reduction

I’ve been giving out clean syringes, naloxone kits, and educating drug users and laypeople both here in Northwest Tennessee and … Continue reading I’m Burnt Out from Practicing Harm Reduction →

February 8, 2020February 24, 2021

Why I Support Safe Syringe Disposal in Tennessee

Sometimes, I find used syringes littered astray in my small, rural, Tennessean town. Despite widespread sentiments held by residents, drug users aren’t to blame.

January 27, 2020February 24, 2021

What Does “Fentanyl” Mean? Where Does Fentanyl Come From? Shining Light on Commonly-Held Misconceptions Regarding Fentanyl

Americans often confuse pharmaceutical fentanyl and its illicit, black-market counterpart. Here are four easy-to-follow examples to help you tell the difference.

January 22, 2020February 25, 2021

Common Opioid Potentiators and How They Affect Opioids

These over-the-counter drugs and substances can be used to improve the analgesic and recreational potential of opioids. Always remember to use responsibly, no matter the reason for your opioid use.

January 14, 2020February 25, 2021

Avoid These Places When Buying Kratom

Gas stations, head shops, and music stores are bad places to buy kratom. Why? Find out here.

January 12, 2020February 25, 2021

Probation From a Drug User’s Perspective — Failures of the Criminal Justice System

What’s probation been like for me? Has it made me a better person? Has it curbed my drug use? Has it done anything good for me, at all?

January 11, 2020February 25, 2021

Why Meth Is Adulterated With Fentanyl

We’re all familiar with sensationalized news stories about cannabis, cocaine, and other illicit drugs being adulterated with fentanyl. On the … Continue reading Why Meth Is Adulterated With Fentanyl →

January 6, 2020December 3, 2021

Solutions to Northwest Tennessee’s Area-Specific Challenges

Note: Since the publication of this article, I’ve been made aware of two Syringe Services Programs in West Tennessee. Both … Continue reading Solutions to Northwest Tennessee’s Area-Specific Challenges →

December 27, 2019February 25, 2021

Suboxone Is Too Difficult to Get

We’re in the midst of an opioid epidemic here in the United States. It’s worse here in Northwest Tennessee than … Continue reading Suboxone Is Too Difficult to Get →

December 23, 2019February 25, 2021

The Modern Opioid Epidemic in My Words

We’ve heard it — opioid epidemic — plenty of times across news broadcasts, the radio, on billboards, in newspapers, posted … Continue reading The Modern Opioid Epidemic in My Words →

November 27, 2019February 25, 2021

The First Rendition of the Opioid Crisis

Humans have used the poppy plant for thousands of years. We won’t be covering the full history of opioids here, … Continue reading The First Rendition of the Opioid Crisis →

November 27, 2019February 25, 2021

Where Does Kratom Come From?

The United States is home to about 330 million people, who are spread across some 3.797 million square miles. I … Continue reading Where Does Kratom Come From? →

November 27, 2019February 25, 2021

Using Opioid Equianalgesic Charts to Determine Equivalent Doses of Different Kinds of Opioids

No, I’m not a physician. I’m not into pharmacology. But, I do know what “equianalgesic” means. I don’t usually use … Continue reading Using Opioid Equianalgesic Charts to Determine Equivalent Doses of Different Kinds of Opioids →

November 26, 2019February 25, 2021

Reasons Why the Illicit Opioid Market’s Participants Are Incentivized to Use Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opioid that is much stronger than most opioids. It’s actually more responsible for fatal overdoses here in … Continue reading Reasons Why the Illicit Opioid Market’s Participants Are Incentivized to Use Fentanyl →

November 21, 2019February 25, 2021

What Do Kratom Names Mean?

Businesses label different types of goods that have slight differences — they might not even be noticeable — using marketing-friendly … Continue reading What Do Kratom Names Mean? →

November 15, 2019February 25, 2021