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Barry Lessin, M.Ed., CAADC

"Knowledge Itself Is Power": My Articles and Resources to Educate and Empower

Francis Bacon first said "knowledge itself is power" in the 16th century and this is more true than ever in our digital times. I'm excited to share my knowledge and experiences in the fields of substance misuse , addiction treatment harm reduction, drug policy and parenting and paths to well-being,

There are a lot of myths, stereotypes, and conflicting information about substance use and mental health out there that can easily confuse and overwhelm people who are trying to find support and information to help them make important decisions about their health and well-being. I've found that when my clients are armed with science-based information, it can empower them to make their own decisions about what resources and steps to take.

It's in this spirit that I'm sharing some of my writing and information resources that my clients and colleagues have told me have been the most relevant for them to have a deeper understanding of the harm reduction approach to therapy and public health issues related to substance use and addiction

Contact Me

267-664-6845

barry@barrylessin.com

Cannabis Stigma Still Alive and Kicking, My Practice Shows

By Barry Lessin • August 2, 2023

Brenda* was in her late 40s, and living with severe rheumatoid arthritis. She sought treatment with me because she was also experiencing PTSD, severe anxiety, and problematic alcohol and benzodiazepine use, which she wished to eliminate

Teenagers Pathologized by Traditional Addiction Treatment

By Barry Lessin • May 18, 2023

Teenagers Pathologized by Traditional Addiction Treatment

Teens and Cannabis Part 1: The Importance of Open Honest Conversations

By Barry Lessin • April 17, 2023

Teens and Cannabis Part 1: The Importance of Open Honest Conversations Written by Barry Lessin M.Ed., CAADC and Amanda Reiman, MSW PhD

Teens and Cannabis Part 2: So, your teen is smoking weed, now what?

By Barry Lessin • April 17, 2023

Teens and Cannabis Part 2: So, your teen is smoking weed, now what? Written by Barry Lessin M.Ed., CAADC and Amanda Reiman, MSW PhD

Teens and Cannabis Part 3: The Dont's and Do's

By Barry Lessin • April 17, 2023

Teens and Cannabis Part 3: The Dont's and Do's Written by Barry Lessin M.Ed., CAADC and Amanda Reiman, MSW PhD

Harm Reduction Made Me a Much Better Family Therapist

By Barry Lessin • March 15, 2023

I chose to work in the addiction field because I care about people who struggle with substance use and felt that maybe I could make a difference. I was aware of the difficulty of the work because of the complex nature of problematic drug use and the interaction with mental illness. For decades, I shrugged off the difficulty, assuming that the frustration and pain involved in providing effective treatment came with the territory.

Helping Teens with Substance Use Problems: Why I Changed My Approach

By Barry Lessin • March 15, 2023

I got a new lease on my professional life in 2011 when publicity about the 40th anniversary of the “War on Drugs” and the oppressive drug policy failures associated with the war led to an “Aha!” moment for me. It motivated me to lift my head out of the sand and gain a wider public health perspective on my work with my young substance-using clients and their families, and it urged me to take a closer look at the effectiveness of the treatment I was providing.

Harm Reduction Principles for Effective Parenting

By Barry Lessin • October 7, 2022

When confronted with the news that your child is using drugs or alcohol, normal parental worry quickly escalates to fear. Many parents often feel helpless and out of control, especially when attempts to intervene fail. It can be like trying to drive your car from the back seat, or even worse–from the trunk.

9 Common Questions About a Drug That Saves Lives

By Barry Lessin • October 6, 2022

we talked about naloxone (trade name, Narcan) as a safe, inexpensive, and highly effective prescription medication that temporarily blocks the effects of opioids, reversing the life-threatening respiratory depression that results from an overdose. Although a growing number of public health programs are available around the country to provide people at risk of overdose, their families, and peers with overdose prevention training and take-home naloxone doses, much misinformation and many questions remain about it.

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