Chad Sabora on the state of harm reduction and drug policy

Recovery Reform: Navigating Harm Reduction, Recovery, and Drug Policy

Chad Sabora is a former lawyer with lived experience of drug use and a long-time grassroots harm reduction advocate turned subject matter expert. Starting his journey under the mentorship of some of the harm reduction movement's founders, Chad helped create underground naloxone distribution networks before it was legally sanctioned across the country. Chad embodied the spirit of one of his role models, Joe Strummer who said: ‘The future is unwritten’ because at that time nobody knew naloxone would gain such acceptance in this country, but the people that needed it, needed it now. He also pioneered the first syringe access programs in cities like St. Louis and regions such as South Florida. As the innovator of the hybrid recovery community center model, which integrates harm reduction with traditional recovery services, Chad has been at the forefront of advancing progressive drug policy. His work has earned him national recognition, including an Emmy, and he has been featured on the front page of The New York Times. Most recently, Chad served on the committee that authored the groundbreaking Harm Reduction Framework for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Today, he joins us to share his journey and perspectives and his thoughts on the current state of harm reduction.

You can find Chad on TikTok at: / chadsabora