Harm reduction is an evidence-based treatment for SUD that acknowledges each individual’s right to self-determination and offers safer alternatives without judgment to those who choose to continue using substances. Evidence shows that harm reduction reduces risks associated with substance use such as injury, disease, and death. 

“Harm reduction refers to policies, programmes and practices that aim to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws. Harm reduction is grounded in justice and human rights – it focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using drugs as a precondition of support” (Harm Reduction International, n.d.). 

As a public health strategy, harm reduction was developed in response to numerous historical events and movements that occurred between the 1960s and 1980s. The harm reduction model is often associated with the AIDS crisis and needle-exchange programs or safe injection sites which aimed to reduce the risk of acquiring blood-borne viruses like HIV.

While harm reduction was originally and most frequently associated with substance use disorder, it is increasingly being applied to a multitude of other behavioral disorders

Harm reduction has shown to be effective for:

• Alcohol Use Disorders
• Cannabis Use Disorder
• Opioid-Related Disorders
• Stimulant-Related Disorders
• Tobacco-Related Disorders

We have providers here at Charmed Counseling who are trained in Substance use disorders and can be a support in your recovery process. Email us at info@charmedcounseling.com to find out how we can be a support. 

Harm Reduction International (n.d.). What is harm reduction? https://www.hri.global/what-is-harm-reduction