Overview of harm reduction principles
Harm reduction advice

The harm reduction approach to substance use is based on a strong commitment to public health principles. It is evidence based and cost effective when delivered in a targeted way at reducing the harms and risks to an individual and the community in which they live.

Harm reduction:

• Is pragmatic
• Prioritises goals
• Is based on humanist values
• Focuses on risks and harms
• Does not focus primarily on abstinence but does incorporate recovery as part of a range of goals and outcomes over time
• Seeks to maximise the range of intervention options available
• Is facilitative rather than coercive and grounded in the needs of individuals.

The objective of harm reduction in a specific context can often be arranged in a hierarchy with the more feasible options at one end (e.g. measures to keep people healthy) and less feasible but desirable options at the other end. Abstinence can be considered a difficult to achieve but desirable option for harm reduction in such a hierarchy. Keeping people who use drugs and alcohol alive and preventing irreparable damage is regarded as the most urgent priority.