Harm Reduction

 
 

What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach to policies and programs that aims to reduce the harms associated with drug use. Rather than requiring the cessation of substance use, a harm reduction approach is low-barrier and focuses on improving public health and safety, and reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with drug use. Harm reduction is an integral part of health promotion and illness prevention, and has been shown to produce many positive health outcomes for individuals and communities. 

A harm reduction approach does not promote drug use. Rather, harm reduction methods have been shown to reduce problematic drug use, lower addiction rates, significantly reduce drug overdoses, lower disease infection rates, significantly reduce crime and incarceration rates, increase community trust in police, and make more public money available for prevention and treatment.

Principles of Harm Reduction

  • Non-judgemental and facilitative approache

  • Supports evidence-informed, practical, safe, feasible, and cost-effective strategies

  • Promotes equity, inclusion, dignity, self-determination, and respect

  • Values meaningful engagement and participation of affected communities in program and policy decisions

  • Challenges policies and practices that cause harm including criminalization, discrimination, coercion, and abstinence-only services

Goals of Harm Reduction

  • Reduce negative health, social, and economic consequences related to drug use

  • Promote public health, human rights, and social justice

  • Promote dignity by supporting people where they are at in a non-judgemental way

  • Address the social determinants of health

Examples of harm reduction

Harm reduction and harm reduction practices are not unique to substance use. The principles of harm reduction can and have been applied in many aspects of our lives, for example: 

  • Seatbelts in cars 

  • Lifeguards at pools 

  • Single-use tattoo needles

Substance-Use Specific Harm Reduction Strategies Include: 

  • Distributing naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdoses 

  • Needle exchange programs and sharps disposal 

  • Supervised consumption services 

  • Drug-checking programs

  • Safe, regulated drug supplies

Harm reduction saves lives.

Harm reduction is a critical and lifesaving component of healthcare and public health interventions. Support harm reduction efforts in your community!