Harm reduction is a public health philosophy and a set of practical strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with certain high-risk behaviors, particularly those related to substance use and other risky behaviors. The fundamental principle of harm reduction is to prioritize the health and well-being of individuals, even if they continue to engage in potentially harmful activities. 

Key principles of harm reduction include:

1. Focus on Health and Safety: Harm reduction prioritizes the immediate and long-term health and safety of individuals over moral judgment or punitive measures.

2. Minimize Harm: It aims to reduce the negative consequences of risky behaviors rather than insisting on abstinence, recognizing that complete abstinence may not be immediately achievable for everyone.

3. Practical and Realistic Goals: Harm reduction sets achievable, incremental goals for individuals, allowing them to make gradual improvements in their health and well-being.

4. Non-Judgmental Approach: It avoids stigmatizing or shaming individuals based on their behaviors, recognizing that addiction and risky behaviors are often complex and influenced by various factors.

5. Client-Centered: Harm reduction is client-centered and respects an individual's autonomy, choices, and self-determination.

Examples of harm reduction strategies include:

- Needle exchange programs: Providing clean needles to injection drug users to reduce the spread of bloodborne infections like HIV and hepatitis C.

- Supervised injection sites: Safe environments where individuals can use drugs under medical supervision, reducing the risk of fatal overdoses and providing access to healthcare and support services.

- Distribution of naloxone: Providing opioid overdose reversal medication to individuals and their communities to save lives during overdose emergencies.

- Safer sex education: Promoting the use of condoms and other safer sex practices to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

- Education and outreach: Providing information and resources to individuals to help them make safer choices, such as knowing the risks associated with substance use and how to reduce them.

Harm reduction recognizes that addiction and risky behaviors are complex issues, and it seeks to meet individuals where they are in their journey toward healthier choices and reduced harm. It is an evidence-based approach that has been successful in improving public health outcomes and reducing the social and health costs associated with risky behaviors.