Harm Reduction
The province of British Columbia takes a harm reduction approach to substance use. However, there are many layers of complexity within our conversations around substance use. It’s essential that people who use substances are treated with the deep respect that they deserve. This section will cover some of the principles and methodologies around the evidence-based harm reduction approach we use today.
Harm reduction within peer support work looks like meeting people where they’re at, promoting safety and providing support that’s free from judgment. We are not here to support or condemn an individual’s use of substances.
A very simple way to look at harm reduction is to think of it in terms of reducing the potential harm of injury or death from things that are preventable.
Most of us practice this basic principle every day. For example, when we choose to use seatbelts in a car, we’re reducing the harm that can come from a car accident. When we wear sunscreen, we’re reducing our potential harm from the effects of the sun. When we wear a helmet on a bike ride, we’re reducing the potential for brain injury or death in the case of an accident. We accept that some degree of risk exists in our day-to-day activities and attempt to reduce the potential for harm.
The International Harm Reduction Association (2002) describes harm reduction as:
Policies and programs which attempt primarily to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences of mood-altering substances to individual drug users, their families and communities, without requiring decrease in drug use.
Harm reduction is, in essence, the act of reducing the risks of any behaviour to create better outcomes for individuals and communities alike. In a substance use context, harm reduction can be practices like drug testing kits, supervised injection sites or carrying a naloxone kit.
Healthlink BC’s Understanding Harm Reduction: Substance Use (2020) expands on this idea:
Harm reduction is a public health approach that aims to reduce harms related to substance use. Harm reduction includes many options and approaches. It may include abstinence, or not using substances at all. Stopping all substance use isn’t required before receiving care. It meets people wherever they are in their substance use journey. Evidence shows that harm reduction does not increase or encourage substance use.
Harm reduction strategies and services can lessen the consequences associated with substance use. The consequences include social, physical, emotional and/or spiritual concerns. It may include access to safer sex and safer substance use supplies and/or take home naloxone. It also involves outreach and support programs and referrals to health and support services. Harm reduction helps ensure services are non-judgmental and available to all.
Harm reduction treats people with respect. It helps people connect with others and develop healthy relationships. It involves working directly with people and thei