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Harm
reduction is a practical approach to drug use. It recognizes
that quitting drugs may not be realistic or desirable for
everyone. It is:
• community-based
• user-driven
• non-judgmental
• broad-based in that it addresses systems, which isolate,
alienate and marginalize people
It meets drug users “where they are at” and responds
to their health concerns. Harm reduction aims to decrease
drug-related harm as outlined by drug users themselves. It
also recognizes drug users as part of a larger community.
Protecting and improving the health of the community as a
whole therefore requires protecting and improving the health
of drug users. Drug users must be integrated into the community
rather than isolated from it.
The harm reduction approach recognizes that two different
types of problems result from illegal drugs. One set of problems
results from the negative effects of the drug on an individual’s
health, another from society’s efforts to eliminate
drugs. These two are often confused. Much of the harm that
occurs is blamed on drugs themselves, while the negative
consequences of efforts to eliminate them are not recognized.
Harm reduction isn’t solely about change in individual
behavior, but about societal change. It challenges us to
rethink how we see drugs and recognize that many of the harms
associated with drug use are caused by prejudice and a “war
on drugs” approach to drug policies.
Harm reduction includes initiatives such as designated drivers,
needle exchange programs, safe grads, safer sex campaigns,
safe injection facilities, methadone maintenance, prescription
heroin or morphine, and others. It also addresses the broad
needs of drug users, including issues of physical and mental
health, the justice system, income support, food security,
and homelessness.
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