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As a way of saving lives, harm reduction equals a set of treatment strategies. These strategies help to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use. In addition, harm reduction (HR) espouses respect for the rights of people who use drugs.

Not justifying or legitimizing drug use, the approach recognizes that drug users are also human beings with certain inalienable rights. Moreover, these inalienable rights are the key message of Thomas Jefferson’s eloquent Declaration of Independence.

There is no universal definition of HR. As the National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC) expresses, “Because harm reduction demands that interventions and policies designed to serve people who use drugs reflect specific individual and community needs, there is no universal definition of or formula for implementing harm reduction.”

As a provider of integrated behavioral healthcare services, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) implements HR treatment approaches. These treatment approaches aim to save lives and reduce collateral damage. From Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT Services) to needle exchange programs, TTC knows these strategies work in practice.

Harm Reduction Saves Lives When Implemented

According to the NHRC, these are the foundational principles of HR:

1. Accepts, for better or worse, drug use is a reality in the world. Thus, HR chooses to work to minimize the harmful effects rather than ignore or condemn drug users.
2. Realizing drug use is a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon. Moreover, drug use encompasses a continuum from severe use to abstinence. Thus, some ways of using drugs are safer than others.
3. Focuses on community life and well-being, as opposed to complete cessation, as the criteria for successful interventions and harm reduction strategies.
4. Recommends non-judgmental, non-coercive provision of services and resources to people who use drugs to assist them in reducing collateral damage.
5. Ensures that people with a history of drug use have an authentic voice in the institution of programs and policies that try to serve them.
6. Seeks to educate people who use drugs, raising awareness about the dangers while providing quality information and resources.
7. Recognizes the realities of poverty, class, racism, social isolation, past trauma, sex and gender-based discrimination, and other social inequalities. All these factors affect people’s vulnerability to drug use and their ability to find a path to recovery.
8. Never minimizes or ignores the extreme harm and dangers associated with illicit drug use.

Finding a Sane Path to Successful Harm Reduction

TTC believes that implementing successful harm reduction techniques can be done in a sane way. However, such a path begins with balancing evidence-based strategies and human interaction. We must consider the needs of people using drugs if lives are to be saved. Therefore, HR succeeds when professional experience and compassionate intuition come together.

If you or a loved one needs help with substance use disorders or behavioral health issues, please get in touch with us today.