Addiction Response Tactics: Tools for the Front Line-Tactical Communication with People Who Use Substances

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Michelle Perrin explains how harm reduction and motivational interviewing can support law enforcement during brief interactions with people experiencing substance use disorders. Harm reduction—including naloxone, wound-care supplies, and deflection to treatment—can reduce overdose deaths, repeat emergency calls, and officers’ occupational risks. Recovery can take many forms; reducing use or risky behavior may be meaningful progress, even without immediate abstinence.<br /><br />Motivational interviewing offers a respectful, collaborative alternative to relying only on enforcement. Rather than telling people what to do, officers can help them identify their own reasons and readiness for change. The approach involves recognizing stages of change and ambivalence, listening for “change talk,” and avoiding the urge to immediately problem-solve.<br /><br />Key skills include asking open questions about a person’s desires, abilities, reasons, and needs; listening through silence, reflection, and summaries; and sharing simple information in small chunks while checking understanding and offering choices. The goal is to guide—not direct—people toward practical next steps and positive change.

Keywords

harm reduction

motivational interviewing

substance use disorders

law enforcement

naloxone

treatment deflection