Harm Reduction
What is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction is an evidence-based, client-centered approach that aims to reduce harmful consequences.
We engage in harm reduction in our everyday lives to minimize a risk, such as wearing a helmet when riding a bike or enforcing seat belts when driving in a car.
A frequent misconception of harm reduction is that it supports, or encourages substance use. However, harm reduction approaches do not presume a specific outcome, which means that abstinence based interventions can also fall within the spectrum of harm reduction goals. Essentially, harm reduction supports the idea that those with addiction or substance use disorder should be treated with dignity and respect and have a wide selection of treatment options in order to make an informed decision about their individual needs and what would be the most effective for them, while also reducing the harms.
We engage in harm reduction in our everyday lives to minimize a risk, such as wearing a helmet when riding a bike or enforcing seat belts when driving in a car.
A frequent misconception of harm reduction is that it supports, or encourages substance use. However, harm reduction approaches do not presume a specific outcome, which means that abstinence based interventions can also fall within the spectrum of harm reduction goals. Essentially, harm reduction supports the idea that those with addiction or substance use disorder should be treated with dignity and respect and have a wide selection of treatment options in order to make an informed decision about their individual needs and what would be the most effective for them, while also reducing the harms.
How does APSS practice harm reduction?
APSS acknowledges that many individuals coping with substance use disorder may not be in a position to stop using. The harm reduction approach provides an option for users to engage with peers, medical and social services in a non-judgemental way that will ‘meet them where they are.’ This allows for a health oriented response to substance use, and it has been proven that those who engage in harm reduction services are more likely to engage in ongoing treatment as a result of accessing these services. Our harm reduction services align with our mission to reduced blood borne infections such as HIV and HCV, and have decreased the rates of deaths due to drug overdoses.
Our harm reduction services include our Needle Exchange Program and Naloxone training/distribution program. In these programs, we offer information/intervention conversation sessions on topics such as harm reduction, overdose prevention, HIV/HCV/STIs, testing, and treatment in order to enhance skills and knowledge to live safer and healthier lives. These sessions lead to increased knowledge and referrals to testing and treatment.
APSS acknowledges that many individuals coping with substance use disorder may not be in a position to stop using. The harm reduction approach provides an option for users to engage with peers, medical and social services in a non-judgemental way that will ‘meet them where they are.’ This allows for a health oriented response to substance use, and it has been proven that those who engage in harm reduction services are more likely to engage in ongoing treatment as a result of accessing these services. Our harm reduction services align with our mission to reduced blood borne infections such as HIV and HCV, and have decreased the rates of deaths due to drug overdoses.
Our harm reduction services include our Needle Exchange Program and Naloxone training/distribution program. In these programs, we offer information/intervention conversation sessions on topics such as harm reduction, overdose prevention, HIV/HCV/STIs, testing, and treatment in order to enhance skills and knowledge to live safer and healthier lives. These sessions lead to increased knowledge and referrals to testing and treatment.
" This project was funded by a contribution from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.”
« Cette projet a été produite grâce une contribution financière du Programme sur l’usage et les dépendances aux substances (PUDS) de Santé Canada. Les opinions exprimées dans cette étude ne représentent pas nécessairement celles de Santé Canada. »
« Cette projet a été produite grâce une contribution financière du Programme sur l’usage et les dépendances aux substances (PUDS) de Santé Canada. Les opinions exprimées dans cette étude ne représentent pas nécessairement celles de Santé Canada. »