Life and health are just better when people stop abusing substances. But seeking treatment is a decision, one people take time to get to, and they can seriously endanger themselves while the substance abuse continues.
The Prime Peer Program of the HIV Alliance, based in Eugene, uses principles of harm reduction to pair people still abusing with peers who can help them. It can be, and has been, a step toward seeking treatment.
Jordan Shin from HIV Alliance gives an overview of the program.