Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping numerous sectors, and its impact on harm reduction is equally transformative yet contentious. In this blog post, I’ll explore three critical questions, which will unravel both the promises and pitfalls of AI in our field.

For this one, I interviewed Martin Blakebrough, CEO of the Kaleidoscope Project. I also discuss the views expressed in an Anti-Stigma Network article, and our own pioneering work at Substancy.

How Can AI Damage Diversity and Inclusion in the Harm Reduction Sector?

While the promise of AI in enhancing service delivery is undeniable, its implementation carries inherent risks that can inadvertently undermine diversity and inclusion efforts within the harm reduction sector. These risks primarily arise from the potential perpetuation of biases and the reduction of essential human contact.

Bias in Media and AI Outputs: AI’s expanding role in media creation, from social media posts to complex content like books and film scripts, holds a significant influence over public perceptions, especially concerning health-related issues like addiction. Often, the depiction of drug use is steeped in negativity, which can reinforce stigmatising attitudes. This issue is compounded when AI tools, such as those used to generate images, produce content that aligns with these negative stereotypes. For example, AI-generated images of substance use often portray such scenarios in a detrimental light, influenced by the underlying biases in the training data.

Human Contact vs. AI Interaction: As Martin Blakebrough points out, the importance of human interaction cannot be understated, especially in areas requiring trauma-informed care. He emphasises, “The human response one gets from face to face contact must not be substituted.” AI should augment, not replace, the nuanced understanding and empathy provided by human professionals. This is particularly vital in complex counselling or care, where personal connections play a critical role in effective therapy.

Quality of Input Data: The effectiveness of AI is inherently tied to the diversity and quality of its input data. “AI is only as good as the information that is provided from… If we want living experience, it is vital those voices are part of any AI system developed,” advises Martin. This highlights the need for inclusive datasets that truly reflect the varied experiences and backgrounds of those affected by substance dependency.

How Can AI Increase Diversity and Inclusion in the Harm Reduction Sector?

The implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the harm reduction sector holds significant potential for increasing diversity and inclusion. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, we can enhance accessibility and provide more personalised support to a broader range of individuals.

Complex Information Handling and Bespoke Responses: AI’s strength lies in its ability to process complex information and tailor responses to diverse user needs. Martin Blakebrough highlights this, noting, “AI has the ability to cope with complex information with bespoke responses to a diverse range of people in a way a person with their own bias may struggle to do.” This capability allows AI to offer nuanced support that can adapt to the varied backgrounds and experiences of those it serves.

Round-the-Clock Accessibility: One of AI’s most impactful features is its availability. As Martin points out, “If used properly it can give advice and information 24 hours a day which will capture more people and it should not need to ask the majority of people to wait until a particular service is opened.” This ensures that individuals seeking help or information can access these resources at any time, eliminating barriers posed by traditional service hours.

Support in Care Planning and Enhanced Accessibility: AI also plays a crucial role in care coordination and data management, which is particularly beneficial for individuals requiring continuous care. “The great advantage of this is that a person is not having to continually retell their story which in itself can make a person relive their trauma,” says Martin. Additionally, AI can significantly improve service access in remote areas or for individuals with disabilities, providing alternatives where traditional methods fall short.

What Are the Low-Hanging Fruits for AI to Benefit the Harm Reduction Sector?

In the context of harm reduction, AI presents several immediate opportunities—or low-hanging fruits—that can swiftly impact and improve the sector. These opportunities focus on enhancing service delivery, streamlining administrative processes, and ensuring that staff are well-equipped with the latest information and training tools.

Accessible Advice and Rapid Information Updates: A pivotal advantage of AI in harm reduction is its ability to provide quick and accessible advice. As Martin Blakebrough explains, “The AI system can also advise in terms of effects on someone’s treatment that is not necessarily an area of expertise.” This capability is especially crucial when dealing with new drugs or complex medical interactions, where timely and accurate information can significantly influence treatment outcomes.

Enhancing Support for Care Workers: AI’s ability to assist with routine tasks such as data input and care plan creation is another critical benefit. This not only improves the efficiency of service delivery but also frees up valuable time for care workers to focus more on client interaction and less on administrative duties. Martin underscores this point, stating, “Support of workers in writing care plans and other data inputting would be improved.” This streamlined approach enhances the overall workflow and allows for more personalised and focused patient care.

Internal Integration of AI Tools: At Substancy, we advocate for the initial internal integration of AI tools within organisations. This strategy allows for the refinement of technologies in a controlled setting, minimising risks and enabling the correction of errors before these tools are introduced to a wider audience. Such an approach ensures that when AI applications do reach external stakeholders, they are robust, reliable, and truly beneficial.

Development of Training Software: We are committed to developing specialised software that aids in training staff effectively. We are planning on developing platforms, equipped with specialised chatbots focused on drugs and harm reduction and designed to simulate real-life interactions. These platforms offer automatic evaluations of these simulations, helping staff to translate conversational nuances into actionable plans for client care. This not only enhances the training process but also ensures that staff are prepared to meet the diverse needs of those we serve.

By capitalising on these low-hanging fruits, AI can make a significant and positive impact on the harm reduction sector, streamlining operations and enhancing the quality of care provided to the community. This proactive and thoughtful application of AI technology ensures that we continue to lead in innovation while prioritising the welfare of those we serve.

Conclusion

As we navigate the transformative potential of AI in the harm reduction sector, it’s crucial to recognize both its capabilities and its limitations. At Substancy, we are acutely aware that the effective use of AI requires not only cutting-edge technology but also a profound commitment to ethical standards, inclusivity, and careful management of potential biases.

Mitigating AI Bias: Our approach at Substancy involves integrating diversity and inclusion policies directly into the development of AI technologies. By carefully selecting the data and educating non-technical staff on the nuances of AI biases, we aim to harness AI’s potential responsibly. Our consultancy services play a crucial role in guiding other organisations on how to implement AI tools in a way that supports and enhances diversity and inclusion.

Empowering Through Training: We will leverage AI to train and upskill staff, ensuring a balance between lived experiences and academic insights. This strategy accelerates the training process and builds confidence among team members, promoting diverse hiring practices and ensuring consistency in the quality of training and knowledge across the board.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps: By integrating AI with big data analytics, we are able to identify and address significant gaps in existing knowledge. This process not only aids in creating targeted content but also stimulates research, contributing to a richer, more inclusive understanding of diverse experiences and needs in the harm reduction field.

Enhancing Service Delivery: The tools and applications we develop, such as AI-driven chatbots and professional software, are designed to empower staff and the wider community. These innovations provide comprehensive, unbiased information and support, enhancing the quality of care and interventions provided.

As AI continues to evolve, so does its impact on sectors like harm reduction. The key to maximising its benefits while minimising risks lies in responsible deployment, informed training, and ongoing evaluation. At Substancy, we are dedicated to advancing these principles, continually working to improve our technologies and methodologies to better serve the community.

To learn more about how AI can transform your harm reduction strategies, or to discover more about our innovative services, we invite you to navigate our website. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights. Together, let’s work towards a more informed, empathetic, and effective approach to harm reduction. Contact us today to join our mission in making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.