What is the goal of a harm reduction strategy?

The goal of a harm reduction strategy is to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use. This approach acknowledges that while some individuals may continue to use drugs, the main focus is on minimizing the risks and harms related to that use. Harm reduction strategies can include a wide range of interventions, such as providing access to clean needles to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, offering safe consumption spaces to prevent overdose deaths, and facilitating access to healthcare and support services for substance use disorders.

Harm reduction does not aim to eliminate drug use entirely, as that can be unrealistic for many individuals. Instead, it recognizes the complexity of addiction and seeks to provide practical solutions that promote safer practices and improve quality of life for those who may still be using substances. By focusing on reducing the harms rather than on total abstinence, harm reduction can lead to improved health outcomes and more effective engagement with individuals who use drugs.