Safer Use Conversations 101: Meeting People Where They Are
Details
How do we talk about drug use in ways that build trust instead of shutting people down?
Talking about drug use can be difficult. Many conversations are shaped by fear, stigma, or the pressure to push people toward immediate change. But meaningful support often begins somewhere simpler: listening with curiosity and understanding someone’s experience on their own terms.
This interactive workshop introduces practical communication skills for having safer use conversations that are respectful, nonjudgmental, and grounded in harm reduction principles.
Through discussion, case examples, and hands-on practice, we will:
• Practice asking open, nonjudgmental questions about substance use
• Learn how to explore factors like substance, setting, and safety without creating defensiveness
• Build skills for meeting people where they are in conversations about drug use
This session is welcoming to people who use drugs, peer workers, clinicians, outreach workers, advocates, and anyone interested in harm reduction practice.