Harm Reduction

Written By Hannah Pawley


What is Harm Reduction ?

Harm Reduction, simply put, is giving tools to help engage with substance use in a safe manner, with the hope that it eventually leads to the ability to no longer use said substance in an unsafe manner. This gives individuals the ability for one to heal from what is causing substance misuse due to the lack of support.  Harm reduction can be done in many forms, usually best correlated to the individual person's needs in the situation. Harm reduction includes many different forms including something such as physical tools to emotional tools. Through programs such as drop-in for individuals, safe drug testing sites, and 

What are some harm reduction tools

  • Naloxone training, plus free kits once trained: this is a preventive harm reduction tool as it gives someone who is using an opioids in any capacity the ability to know how to use this tools or have it on them so if they themselves overdose one can help them 

  • Safe injection or inhalation sites in Vancouver, BC:there are both of these sites which one can use while being monitored for 30 minutes after using. Also given access to safe using needs. 

  • Lifeguard (App):: This is specifically for individuals who decide to use substances on their own. Open the app pre taking said substance, once substance is used there is a certain amount of time the person is allotted to click the button in the app before police is dispatched to this person's location to make sure there isn’t an overdose happening 

What benefits does harm reduction have 

It gives someone who isn’t in the stage of change where they might be willing to fully give up a substance, but may be considering it, access to resources to keep them safe. This is in ways such as if they are using a substance that needs either changes in needles or pipes to use, they are able to reduce the likelihood of developing illnesses connected to reusing pipes or needles. Furthermore, it gives many individuals the ability to keep people they love and themselves safe to the best possible extent. Having access to tools and treatment styles that best support you or a loved one gives a higher chance of a positive impact. his doesn't mean that individuals who use harm reduction tools might try something such as a traditional treatment center but it might just give the ability to keep someone alive long enough to make it to a place where they are ready to start the healing journey. 

Resources 

Hannah Pawley
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