Harm Reduction
Harm Reduction
What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction is a public health philosophy and intervention that seeks to reduce the harms associated with drug use and ineffective drug policies.
“Harm reduction meets people where they are, but does not leave them there. ...People are treated with dignity, respect, love and compassion, no matter their relationship with substances...”
- Riley Kirkpatrick
Principles of Harm Reduction
Accept that, for better or worse, people are going to use drugs
Use is a continuum, from total abstinence to active use
Focuses on quality of life and well-being rather than total abstinence as the measurement for success
Use of non-judgmental, non-coercive interventions
The person using drugs has a voice in what treatment they want or do not want
The person using drugs is the one who will reduce harms associated with use
Recognizes that poverty, racism, classism, discrimination and other inequalities exist and affect people’s ability to deal with use/harm
Does not minimize the harm and danger associated with substance use
A Harm Reduction Action Center video produced in partnership with the Drug Policy Alliance and Luceo Images.
Get More Information Here
AnotherWayNM.org– NMDOH Overdose Prevention Program website with more information on overdose prevention
DoseofReality.com– A multi-agency website with many tools about where to get naloxone, medication assisted treatment, and first aid training to reverse overdose
New Mexico Opioid Hub– Information hub for community members organized by Human Services Department and University of New Mexico
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line- NMCAL is a centralized, single telephone number to get immediate assistance and resources for mental health and substance use issues. The line is free and is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Prescription Nation 2018: Facing America's Opioid Epidemic– A report by the National Safety Council
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families