Harm Reduction: A Safer Approach to Substance Use

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction is an approach that aims to minimize the risks associated with behaviors that people are unable or unwilling to stop. A common example of harm reduction is using seatbelts while driving. For people who use drugs (PWUD), harm reduction practices, such as using isopropyl alcohol pads to prevent infections, can save lives.

Principles of Harm Reduction

• Accepts that drug use is a part of our world and seeks to minimize harmful effects rather than ignore or condemn them.
• Focuses on improving the quality of life and well-being for individuals and communities, not necessarily cessation of all drug use.
• Ensures that people who use drugs have a real voice in creating programs and policies designed to serve them.
• Recognizes that poverty, class, racism, social isolation, and trauma affect people’s vulnerability to drug-related harm.
• Calls for non-judgmental, non-coercive services and resources to help reduce harm among people who use drugs.
• Empowers people who use drugs to reduce the harms of their drug use and share information to support each other.
• Acknowledges the real and tragic harm that can be associated with illicit drug use without minimizing or ignoring it.

Goals of Harm Reduction

Harm reduction recognizes that many people are unable or unwilling to stop using illicit drugs. Its goals are centered on keeping people alive, improving their well-being, and reducing the negative impact of drug laws and policies.

• Keep people alive and encourage positive change in their lives, no matter how small or incremental.
• Reduce the harms of drug laws and policies, such as criminalization, abusive policing practices, and lack of access to harm reduction services.
• Offer alternatives to abstinence-based approaches, recognizing that abstinence is not the only solution and should be an individual choice.

Benefits of Harm Reduction

Harm reduction has been well-evidenced to prevent diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis. It also reduces stigma associated with drug use, especially when supportive, non-judgmental language is used.

Using non-stigmatizing language is essential in harm reduction efforts. Terms like “drug abusers” or “junkies” should be replaced with compassionate language that recognizes the humanity of people who use drugs.