Exploring Harm Reduction to Address Risky Behaviors
By Jill Schlossberg, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCTP-II, DRCC, Director of MHANJ in Hudson and Union Counties
Harm reduction is a public health approach aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with various behaviors, particularly those related to substance use, addiction, and risky behaviors. Rather than focusing solely on abstinence or prohibition, harm reduction strategies aim to minimize the adverse effects of these behaviors on individuals and communities.
Common harm reduction strategies include providing access to clean needles and syringes for injection drug users to reduce the risk of HIV and hepatitis transmission, distributing naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, offering safer drug consumption spaces where individuals can use substances under medical supervision, and providing education and support for safer sex practices.
There are five key principles in harm reduction: pragmatism, recognizing that abstinence may not be achievable or desirable for everyone; human rights, such as the right to access support without judgment; focus on the individual, recognizing each person’s specific needs and circumstances; evidence-based, strategies have been researched and been proven to be effective; and community engagement, involving the community is an important element of success. By embracing these principles, we help pave the way for harm reduction as an effective approach to addressing substance misuse and its associated challenges.