Harm Reduction 

Harm reduction aims to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences associated with both legal and illegal substance use. Harm reduction includes a set of strategies and approaches aimed at providing services and resources to people who are at risk. Harm reduction is evidence-based, non-judgmental, non-coercive (people decide to seek help) and client-centered.

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The reasons why someone begins to use substances and/or continues to use them is complex. It is often a result of personal, economic, social and environmental factors. Continued use of substances can alter brain chemistry and withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to overcome. Individuals may not be at a state of readiness to address substance use issues or be dealing with broader issues (e.g., housing, income, social support) making it difficult to abstain from or reduce use of substances. Harm reduction programs, services and practices “meet people where they are at,” reducing the risk of harm until individuals are ready and able to reduce or abstain from problematic substance use. Harm Reduction accepts that there will never will be a drug free society but we can keep people safer. It aims to restore human dignity when dealing with problematic substance use.

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For more information on local Harm Reduction services please visit our Resources page 

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