What is harm reduction ?
Harm reduction is a philosophy that proposes that the strategies
used to regulate the use of drugs, and reduce the risks associated
with drug use, respect the rights of an individual.
That an individual have the right to use drugs, yet continue
to have services and access to education and information geared
towards facilitating the regulated use and manners of their use,
to ensure limited harmful effects.
The harm reduction approach requires the governing bodies (governments,
educators, and health boards) to be aware that addiction is not
a choice but rather a disease. Keeping in mind that there are
many contributing factors such as poverty, education, abuse/trauma,
mental health, and other determining circumstances that create
vulnerable situations for the user. These factors can severely
diminish an individuals capacity to effectively reduce their drug
related harm.
As a result of these issues government agencies need to remain
client centered, realistic, and humane in their objectives. To
provide information on the risks, prevention methods, and strategies
to accomplish set goals in a nonjudgmental way.
Ultimately, it is the user who can reduce the harmful effects
of their use of substances. An individual must determine what
is most effective for themselves.
The strategies of Harm Reduction include:
- Needle exchange and distribution to provide sterile
injection paraphernalia : needles/syringes, filters, drug containers
and mixing water.
- Interventions such as legal maintenance of drugs, employment
opportunities and accessible recovery resources and detoxification
beds.
- Implement methadone maintenance programs; safe fixing
sites with medically supervised treatment of individuals.
- Counselling services and motivational interviewing
may assist an individual in determining the risks and/or harm
associated with their drug of choice.
- Provide methods of weaning the user of injectable drugs to
less damaging and harmful drugs.
- Determine if an individuals drug of choice or patterns of
use could be altered to reduce harm.
- Promote education on sexual behaviours and the proper
use of condoms and safe sex practices.
- An individual may choose to work gradually towards abstinence
by regulating their use.
- Individuals are encouraged to recognize any contributing factors
in their personal lives (family, mental health issues, physical
fitness) that require processing through therapy or treatment.
- Having the skills necessary and dealing with personal issues
may be a determining factor in ones likelihood of obtaining
any realistic goals towards reduction of use and/or abstinence.
