Harm Reduction – The Real Story
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| Harm Reduction - A Primer |
Written by and for people with Lived Experience - Port Alberni Community Action Team - Families Helping Families.
Harm Reduction
(1) Harm reduction (HR) – We hear this term a lot these days. You get all sorts of reactions to the phrase. Everything from raised eyebrows with a questioning look which means they have no idea what you’re talking about to the rolling of eyes, - which means they might not have the whole story about harm reduction concepts.
Read along as we take a look at the benefits of harm reduction for all of us, people who use substances, who are suffering from substance disorders, people in recovery, and their families. Did I mention our communities – the rest of us!
By now it should be no surprise to anyone that toxic drugs have increased dramatically in recent years. This has led to an unbelievable rise in harm associated with substance use disorder, “addiction” and overdose deaths. Harm reduction initiatives have become a key strategy to counter many risky activities. For example, warning labels on cigarettes. The pull/push signs on doors. Best before dates on food. Bumpers on cars, child seats, traffic signs ... harm reduction is everywhere in our world.
Over the last few decades, we have also applied it to substance use crucially necessary because of the rise in the toxicity of the illicit drug supply. Science tells us that HR reduces deaths and protects our communities. In short, harm reduction reduces diseases, physical, and mental harm as well as societal harms associated with substance use. Harm reduction is a proven evidence-based approach. Let me say that again. Harm reduction is backed up by decades of experience and scientific research.
Introduction
Harm reduction is a public health approach that seeks to reduce the damages associated with substance use. It is based on the recognition that people will continue to use substances, regardless of any health, legal, and social consequences, It focuses on reducing the negative consequences of that use. Harm reduction initiatives can include needle exchange programs, supervised consumption sites, access to medication-assisted treatment programs, decriminalization policies, safer supply programs, and outreach initiatives.
Substance use disorder is a medical condition in which an individual’s use of substances causes significant loss to their ability to function in many areas of life. It is characterized by compulsive substance-seeking behaviour, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
Harm reduction initiatives provide numerous benefits for people with substance disorders and society in general.
Here are some ways how harm reduction helps individuals who use substances:
· Focuses on practical solutions - Harm reduction recognizes that complete abstinence from substances is not always possible or desirable for everyone, and instead focuses on practical solutions that can reduce the harms that can be controlled associated with substance use.
· Meets people where they are at - Harm reduction takes a non-judgmental approach to substance use and works with people where they are in their journey, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.
· Improves health and safety - By reducing negative consequences of substance use, such as overdose, disease, or any physical ailments. Harm reduction improves health and safety for people who use substances.
· Builds trust and rapport - By providing non-judgmental support and practical solutions, harm reduction can build trust and rapport between people who use substances and healthcare providers.
· Reduces stigma - By taking a non-judgmental approach, harm reduction can reduce the stigma associated with substance use and “addiction”, making it easier for individuals to seek help and support.
· Encourages healthy behaviour change - By reducing the harm associated with substance use, individuals are more likely to engage in healthier decisions and behaviour change, such as seeking out harm reduction resources or substance disorder treatment.
· Supports harm reduction as a step toward recovery. For some individuals, harm reduction can be a step towards recovery and eventual abstinence, as it can provide a foundation of stability and improved health upon which to build.
Harm Reduction doesn’t just help the person suffering from a
substance disorder. It also has significant benefits for the broader community. Here are some ways harm
reduction benefits all of us:
· Reduces the burden on healthcare systems - By reducing the negative consequences of substance use, such as overdose, harm reduction reduces the burden on healthcare systems, including hospitals and emergency services. This decreases the impact of substance health conditions on medical services in all communities.
· Improves public safety: By reducing the harm associated with substance use, harm reduction can improve public safety, including reducing the risk of accidents, property crimes, and violent behaviour.
· Reduces the spread of infectious diseases: By providing access to harm reduction services, such as needle exchange programs and overdose prevention measures, harm reduction can reduce the spread of infectious diseases to everyone, such as HIV(2) and hepatitis C.
· Promotes a more equitable society: By reducing the harm associated with substance use, harm reduction can promote a more equitable society, as it reduces the disproportionate impact of substance use on marginalized demographics. (people in poverty or homelessness)
· Saves lives: By reducing the negative consequences of substance use, harm reduction can save lives by reducing the number of overdose deaths. As long as there is life, there is an opportunity and hope for healing.
· Improves quality of life: By reducing the harm associated with substance use, harm reduction can improve the quality of life for patients. It also impacts families and communities who have loved ones suffering from substance disorders.
· Reduces crime: Harm reduction can reduce the rates of crime in some cases. Access to safe supply, medication-assisted therapy such as opiate agonists, safe consumption practices and sites, needle exchange, self-help, treatment, or any activity involving health care are all equally proven examples of crime reduction, especially amongst those who struggle with substance use issues.
· Promotes public health: By taking a non-judgmental approach to substance use, harm reduction prioritizes the health and well-being of individuals and communities without prejudice or expectation.
These are some ways in which harm reduction benefits society
as a whole. By reducing harm and improving health and safety, harm reduction
can help to create a better result for all of us.
Let’s dig a little deeper into some of the above bullets.
Improved Health Outcomes(3)
Harm reduction initiatives help reduce the risk of overdose
and other substance-related illnesses. Needle exchange programs provide clean
needles and syringes to people who use substances intravenously, reducing the
risk of infection and transmissible diseases from contaminated needles.
Supervised consumption sites provide a safe space for individuals to consume
drugs under medical supervision, reducing the risk of overdose. Additionally,
supervised consumption sites can provide drug testing for toxicity. Harm reduction
initiatives provide access to resources and healthcare services for people who
use substances or people struggling with SUD and addiction. This includes
access to treatment programs, such as medication-assisted treatment, as well as
access to HIV/AIDS testing and prevention services. This can help reduce the
spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C among people who use substances and the
community at large.
Reduced Criminal Activity
Harm reduction initiatives help reduce criminal activity
associated with SUD and “addiction”. It does this by providing increased access
to harm-reduction strategies and other treatment programs. Harm reduction
initiatives help individuals struggling with substance use find the support
they need to manage their use or disorder more effectively. This leads to
decreased involvement in illegal activities, such as drug dealing and theft,
which helps reduce pressure on law enforcement agencies.
Increased Quality of Life
Harm reduction initiatives have been shown to improve mental
health and well-being among people who use substances and those struggling with
SUD and “addiction”. Access to treatment programs helps people better manage
their disorders and lead healthier lives. Additionally, harm reduction
initiatives can help increase family unity and support by providing resources
for families affected by substance use disorders. Finally, harm reduction
initiatives can help improve social connections by providing access to support
groups and other social services for people whether they are using substances
or in recovery. Finally and equally as important, harm reduction helps reduce
any harm for anyone who uses substances even if their use is simply
experimental, religious, occasional, recreational, or for any other reason.
Benefits for Society
Harm reduction initiatives also provide numerous benefits
for society as a whole.
Cost Savings
Harm reduction initiatives can lead to significant cost savings for society. Access to harm reduction
programs reduces spending on emergency services, healthcare, and incarceration
services associated with substance use, SUD, and “addiction”. Additionally,
harm reduction initiatives can lead to increased tax revenues from legal
businesses and services that provide services for individuals in recovery.
Increased Productivity
Harm reduction initiatives have been shown to increase
employment opportunities for people by providing access to education and
training programs. This can lead to increased productivity among individuals regardless
if they are in recovery or simply casual users. This benefits society as a
whole. Additionally, harm reduction initiatives can reduce rates of absenteeism
at work due to illness or incarceration associated with substance use, SUD, and
“addiction”.
Improved Public Health
Harm reduction initiatives lead to improved public health
outcomes by increasing awareness of health risks associated with people using
substances and substance use disorders. By providing access to harm reduction
programs and services, individuals are more likely to seek help before a disorder
can develop or progress. Best in class Harm reduction programs include
prevention initiatives and prevention programs should include harm reduction. Furthermore,
harm reduction initiatives reduce the stigma associated with substance use, SUD
“addiction” and recovery by providing resources for individuals who use
substances that are not typically available through traditional health
programs.
Conclusion
By now the benefits for both people who use substances and
those struggling with SUD and “addiction” as well as society as a whole should
be a no-brainer. However, just to wrap up, for individuals, harm reduction
initiatives provide improved health outcomes, reduced criminal activity, and
increased quality of life. For society, harm reduction initiatives can lead to
cost savings, increased productivity, and improved public health outcomes. If
you got this far, it should be clear that harm reduction initiatives make a substantially
healthier impact on both people and society as a whole. Equally as important,
harm reduction reduces and can potentially remove stigma by eliminating
whatever judgments we have about substance use, which results in respecting the
dignity of the person in balance with the dignity of our communities. We all need
to do our part in supporting these initiatives so that everyone has access to
the resources they need to lead healthier lives. Most of us can buy into harm
reduction because it helps people. For some, cost savings might be the deciding
factor. Although cost saving is important, it doesn’t override the health and
dignity of people which always comes first.
Author: Ron Merk – Ron is a person with
family-lived experience and editor/author of Learning Moments. He advocates for
people with substance or mental illness. (This article was written with the
help of AI -accessing the combined knowledge of humanity)
Note: We may use words or phrases in our articles that are not first person, or
the latest best-in-practice language. Sometimes we will use older, non-informed
jargon. to clarify and inform people who are beginning to learn the new
non-stigmatizing language. (linking old language usage to new terms) You can
tell when you run into these old or non-inclusive words or phrases. They will
be in quotation marks - eg old word “addiction” – When we introduce new
inclusive language, words, or phrases, they will be in Parenthesis - eg (people
with substance disorders).
Families Helping Families is an initiative of the Port Alberni Community Action
Team. We regularly send out "Learning Moment" articles to help folks
understand concurrent or substance illness. Knowledge is vital in understanding
the disorder of our family members. You may copy, distribute or share our
articles as long as you retain the attribution. Add yourself to our
distribution list by dropping us a note at - albernihelp@gmail.com
Resources
(1) - Harm Reduction Principles –
Health Care Settings
(2) - HIV,
injecting drug use and harm reduction: a public health response
(3) - Integrating
Harm reduction – Opioid Use Treatment
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