The Truth About Harm Reduction
Harm reduction services include: syringe access and disposal, safer drug use, naloxone, medication assisted treatment, supervised consumption services, drop-in centers, housing assistance, pharmacy access, and referrals to services
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines harm reduction as an evidence-based approach that saves lives by engaging with people who use drugs and equipping them with the tools and the information to facilitate positive change in their lives. Harm reduction reduces overdose and overdose-related death, decreases the risk of infection and disease, and improves the overall well-being of others.
So why isn’t everyone “on board" with the idea of harm reduction? It may have something to do with the common misconceptions or myths surrounding this life-saving approach. It is important that we understand the truth about harm reduction so that we know the best way to offer support for those who need it.
Myth #1: Only people who use drugs need harm reduction.
Fact: Many people engage in harm reduction practices. In fact, anytime you put on your seatbelt, slather on some sunscreen, or use a condom, you’re using harm reduction!
Myth #2: Harm reduction only encourages or enables drug use.
Fact: Harm reduction actually does not enable drug use; it simply meets people where they are. Harm reduction acknowledges that some people engage in risky behaviors without stigmatizing or passing judgment. It allows those that engage in risky behaviors to engage in safer practices and minimizes the risk of long term consequences, such as infections, overdose, or even death.
Myth #3: Offering harm reduction services makes neighborhoods less safe by attracting people who use drugs to the area.
Fact: There are studies that show harm reduction services having the opposite effect on neighborhoods. The introduction of harm reduction into areas shows a decrease in public injection sightings and a decrease in needle disposal in the streets. It also is not associated with an increase in crime rate according to the CDC.
Myth #4: Harm reduction services waste taxpayer money by allowing people to use drugs.
Fact: Studies show that harm reduction can save taxpayers money by reducing costs associated with HIV transmission and related deaths. Read more about the benefits harm reduction has on saving money.
Myth #5: Harm reduction prevents people who use drugs from recovery.
Fact: Harm reduction prevents overdose, connects people to healthcare services, reduces risk of disease transmission, and improves the health and happiness of others—all of which increases the likelihood of entering the stage of long-term recovery. The main goal of harm reduction is to keep people as safe and as healthy as possible, which gives them the possibility and opportunity to start a recovery journey.
Dispelling these myths and learning more about how harm reduction helps our community and our neighbors is so important to ending this epidemic. To learn about the Rise Above program, a harm reduction initiative in the New River Valley, follow them on Facebook, or check out their Road to Wellness page.
References:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/harm-reduction
https://www.drugpolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Evidence-Page-PDF3.pdf
https://www.rstreet.org/commentary/harm-reduction-101-five-harm-reduction-myths/