Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is an approach aimed at minimizing the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with certain behaviors, particularly substance use, without necessarily requiring abstinence. It focuses on practical strategies and policies that promote safer practices, provide support, and improve overall well-being for individuals, prioritizing public health and human dignity.

Drug Consumption Rooms
Safe, supervised spaces where individuals can consume drugs under medical supervision, reducing the risk of overdose and promoting access to health services.

Needle Exchanges
Programs providing clean needles and syringes to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, like HIV and hepatitis, among people who inject drugs.

Narcan Distributors
Programs distributing Naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses, to prevent fatalities.

Drug Identification Strips
Tools used to test substances for dangerous additives (e.g., fentanyl), helping users avoid consuming harmful or lethal substances unknowingly.

Reagent Testing
A method where users can test their drugs for purity and contaminants, helping them make informed decisions and avoid dangerous substances.

Drug Early Warning Systems
Drug Early Warning Systems (aka DEWS) are typically operated by governments, health organizations, or other international organizations with an emphasis on collecting and disseminating information on developments in the drug markets.