What is Harm Reduction?

Defining Harm Reduction: Harm reduction can be a policy or program directed toward reducing or containing the adverse health, social and economic consequences of alcohol or other drug use (AADAC, 1998). It may also be a set of non-judgmental strategies and approaches which may which aim to provide and/or enhance skills, knowledge, resources and support that people need to live safer, healthier lives (Streetworks, 1998). A harm reduction approach allows non-judgmental, non-coercive provision of services and resources to people who put themselves at risk. Harm reduction strategies need to be designed to reflect individual and community needs.

Philosophy of Harm Reduction: Harm reduction is one of the most effective tools in addressing the health and social problems related to risky activities. Harm reduction is based on dealing with clients 'where they are at' - respecting, honouring and supporting their ability to make decisions. One of these decisions may be to use drugs or to engage in other higher-risk behaviors. People become harmfully involved in substance use for many social, economic, physical health, mental health and personal reasons. If you have a client that does not choose abstinence, you, as a care provider, can provide options and support to minimize the negative consequences (harm) that may result.

Drug problems occur along a continuum of risk ranging from minimal to extreme. You cannot stop clients from using drugs, but you can help them reduce the risks associated with their drug use.

A harm reduction philosophy allows you to maintain the same level of availability and quality of service and treatment that you provide to others who may not be using drugs. It means your service is provided without discrimination.

One of the key roles of health and social care provides is to help people live healthier lives. Care providers need to recognize that small improvements in a person's health can pave the path for further reductions of drug use and an improved lifestyle in other ways. Harm reduction strategies encourage people to build strengths and to gain a sense of confidence. They can help someone move to a state of control from one of chaos.

Principles of Harm Reduction
The following are the basic tenets of harm reduction, as outlined by the American Harm Reduction Coalition.

Harm Reduction:

recognizes the intrinsic value and dignity of human beings

seeks to maximize social and health assistance, disease prevention and education, while minimizing repressive and punitive measures

recognizes the right for comprehensive, non-judgmental medical and social services and the fulfillment of basic needs of all individuals and communities, including users, their loved-ones, and the communities affected by drug use

does not judge licit and illicit drugs and drug use as good or bad, rather it looks at people's relationship to drugs, emphasizing the reduction of drug-related harm and the encouragement of safer drug using

recognizes the competency of users to make choices and change their lives, including their drug use

demands that the individuals and communities affected by drug use be involved in co-creation of strategies for harm reduction interventions and programs

expects accessible, flexible, non-judgmental drug treatment

supports accessible syringe exchange and the supply of sterile drug using and safer sex equipment

challenges current drug policies and their consequences, such as misrepresentations of drug users and misinformation about drug use.

Source: Harm reduction Information Kit for Professionals Working with At-Risk Populations

For more information on harm reduction, please view the NPNU HR Guide 07.pdf (in PDF format), or visit one of the following links:

www.ccsa.ca Canadian Center on Substance Abuse
www.canadianharmreduction.com The Canadian Harm Reduction Network
www.harmreduction.org United States based harm reduction coalition
www.dpf.org The Drug Policy Foundation (US)
www.cts.com/crash/habtsmrt/hrmtitle.html Push Harm Reduction (US)
www.chr.asn.au/index.html Center for Harm Reduction (Australia)
www.ihra.net International Harm Reduction Association