SOC309Y1 Chapter Notes -Drug User, Harm Reduction, Demand Reduction
Document Summary
Harm reduction is a pragmatic approach to reduce the harmful consequences of drug use and other high-risk activities by incorporating several strategies that cut across the spectrum from safer use to managed use to abstinence. Harm-reduction interventions and policies are most often individualized to the specific needs and wants of the individual or community; thus, a universal harm-reduction program is not possible and would not be useful. Harm-reduction efforts, in general, are rarely one size fits all. The principles of harm-reduction efforts are often firmly rooted in the ideals f pragmatism, humanism, immediate and attainable goals, and the recognition that harmful drugs and risky behaviors have always been and always will be a party of society. The term harm minimization is intended to reflect an overall goal of policies to minimize harm. Ideally, harm reduction will be construed as a strategy within a larger public health framework.
