What is
Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction is a practical approach to substance abuse issues that focuses on minimizing the adverse consequences of drug use among people who continue to use drugs. Its all about understanding, tolerating, and accepting drug use and meeting people where they are.
The Value
Harm reduction is a crucial approach to addressing drug use because it prioritizes reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use, rather than solely focusing on eliminating drug use altogether. Harm reduction recognizes that drug use is a complex issue that cannot be solved by simply telling individuals to stop using drugs. Instead, harm reduction seeks to minimize the risks and harms associated with drug use, while also addressing the underlying social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to drug use.
Harm reduction approaches can take many forms, including needle exchange programs, overdose prevention sites, and drug education programs. These interventions have been shown to reduce the spread of HIV and other bloodborne diseases, decrease drug-related overdose deaths, and connect individuals who use drugs with resources and support to help them reduce their drug use or quit using altogether. By acknowledging the reality of drug use and working to reduce its harms, harm reduction approaches can improve public health outcomes and create more just and equitable societies.
The Hard Truth
25%
Increase in unintentional drug overdoses in Ohio from 2019 to 2020
#1
Cause of injury death in Ohio. In 2007, unintentional drug poisoning surpassed motor vehicle crashes for the first time on record. This trend has continued through 2020.
81%
Of all overdose deaths involved Fentanyl, up from 76% in 2019
Harm Reduction vs Prevention
Harm reduction is a complementary approach to prevention that can work in conjunction with prevention efforts. While prevention aims to prevent the initiation of drug use, harm reduction acknowledges that drug use is a complex issue and seeks to minimize the negative consequences associated with drug use for individuals who are already using drugs.
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By combining prevention and harm reduction approaches, communities can create a comprehensive approach to addressing drug use that acknowledges the complexity of the issue and works to minimize the harms associated with drug use for individuals and communities. Together, prevention and harm reduction approaches can improve public health outcomes and create more just and equitable societies.
