What Is Harm Reduction in Substance Abuse?
Harm reduction is a relatively new movement. The goal of harm reduction strategies is to keep you as safe as possible if you’re abusing drugs until you’re ready to get help (i.e., reduce harm when it can’t be eliminated). Harm reduction accepts that complete abstinence is not always possible. With this mindset, harm reduction strategies and programs can have a life-saving impact. Harm reduction strategies may include needle exchange programs to limit the spread of infectious diseases through the use of dirty needles as well as supervised injection sites that aid in reducing the number of drug overdose fatalities. The focus is to lower problematic drug use and improve lives. Harm reduction typically involves community resources and seeks to reduce stigma related to drug addiction and serve everyone without discrimination. The journal Pediatrics & Child Health reports that harm reduction began as a public health policy aimed at people who can’t stop using drugs. Drug addiction is a chronic disease with relapse rates of 40 to 60%. Complete abstinence is not always feasible for everyone. In response, harm reduction provides resources to people who need them while reducing the stigma surrounding drug use and addiction. Harm reduction strategies can: There is some controversy around harm reduction programs since they do not expect participants to stop using all drugs. Many people believe full abstinence is the only path to recovery. Harm reduction proponents argue that harm reduction strategies, programs, and policies have been shown to save lives. Harm Reduction International reports that harm-reduction strategies are evidence-based, and they’ve had a positive impact on many communities. Types of Harm Reduction Strategies There are several types of harm reduction strategies aimed at people who aren’t ready to get substance use disorder treatment. These include: #1 Needle Exchange Programs Sharing needles can increase your risk of contracting an incurable infectious disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), needle exchange programs (NEPs) can lower the risk of contracting blood borne infections, such as viral hepatitis and HIV. Needle exchange programs are community-based. They provide sterile needles and syringes to drug users in hopes of reducing the harm from sharing dirty needles. Most of the time, needles and syringes are provided at no charge, and safe disposal sites are also available to drop off used injection drug paraphernalia. In addition to new and sterile syringes and needles, NEPs may also provide: #2 Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) MAT programs include both medications and therapies as part of a treatment plan for opioid abuse and addiction. Medication-assisted treatment is often offered through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that are regulated and accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Medication-assisted treatment involves the use of maintenance medications, such as methadone or buprenorphine-based medications. These medications help you sustain recovery by easing cravings and opioid withdrawal symptoms. You’ll feel less of an urge to abuse more potent and shorter-acting opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers. Federally regulated OTPs include counseling, education, medical care, and additional treatment as needed. MAT services can be offered in the following settings: #3 Naloxone Programs Seventy percent of all U.S. drug overdoses were attributed to opioids in 2019. The high rate of opioid overdoses is a public health emergency. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication that helps to reverse an opioid overdose when administered quickly. It can be distributed through injection or as a nasal spray. Many states have standing orders in place that allow naloxone to be dispensed from local pharmacies to people in need, even without a prescription. This means that if your loved one battles opioid addiction, you can often get a prescription for Narcan (naloxone). This may enable you to save their life in the event of an overdose. Naloxone programs are often part of community-based operations. Many offer training and education on: The CDC says that dispensing naloxone to laypersons can save lives and is a cost-effective public health service. The Good Samaritan Law prevents prosecution of anyone using drugs if they administered the naloxone and/or called emergency personnel to help someone in need. #4 Supervised Injection Sites A supervised injection facility is a place you can go to use pre-obtained drugs in a safe environment with clean needles and syringes. These harm reduction centers are staffed with health care professionals who can administer aid if you overdose. The focus is on preventing negative consequences of drug use like overdoses and diseases like HIV, as well as promoting healthy practices for people struggling with addiction. Supervised injection sites are also known as: Some research suggests safe injection sites can decrease the transmission of infectious diseases that are spread by the use of dirty needles, and they can reduce drug-related morbidity and mortality. Supervised injection sites can provide: If you haven’t heard of them, don’t be surprised—there are currently no legal harm reduction centers in the U.S. There are approximately 120 harm reduction centers in more than 10 countries, including: Although there are none in the United States, movements in New Jersey, Colorado, and California are picking up speed. There is a lot of controversy surrounding these programs. Critics believe that supervised injection locations enable drug abuse and make it easier to maintain active addiction. They believe that people who use drugs may push dosage limits even higher because medical staff are on site. #5 Moderation Management The majority of people who drink alcohol do not battle alcoholism, but many struggle with problem drinking. Most of the treatment options and support groups, including 12-step programs, address alcohol addiction and the need for complete abstinence. The nonprofit Moderation Management, or MM takes a different approach. Moderation management strategies address risky drinking patterns and seek to improve overall quality of life by reducing negative behaviors and the harm associated with problem drinking. It does not require 100% sobriety. It allows drinking in moderation. The group’s harm reduction strategies teach members to: Moderation management programs let members decide how they want to cut back on drinking. According
