Harm Reduction: More Than Meets the Eye
By: Robert Regler
When it comes to drug prevention, the concept of harm reduction is polarizing. While prevention itself aims to stop people from abusing drugs in the first place, harm reduction attempts to reduce the harmful effects. This could come in the form of safe injections sites, Narcan kits, or needle exchange sites. People who back harm reduction believe that people are going to continue to abuse drugs. Rather than try and stop them outright, they offer ways to lower the harmful side effects of drug use. For example, those who inject have a higher chance of spreading diseases if they use dirty needles. However, if they are given clean ones to use, the chance of spreading diseases goes down. While there are numerous benefits to harm reduction strategies, there are many who oppose them and feel they are enabling behaviors. However, harm reduction can open many doors for positive change people are not aware of.
Injection sites are a form of harm reduction focused on preventing overdoses. These sites provide users with clean needles and supervision. In the event they overdose, there will be someone there to provide medical attention. Not only do safe injection sites lower the risk of spreading diseases, but they also lower the risk of a fatal drug overdose. Some believe that providing these sites enables drug use, however employees do not provide the drugs, and they do not inject the people who come in. They also provide resources for those who come in and encourage them to go to treatment. Safe injection sites not only reduce the spread of diseases and overdose, they also provide users with outlets for treatment.
Another form of harm reduction that has become increasingly popular has been the distribution of naloxone. Naloxone is a chemical that binds to the opioid receptors and reverses an overdose. This brings someone back long enough to give them proper medical attention. Naloxone has been distributed to people like police officers and other people who have an increased chance of encountering someone who has overdosed on opioids. In addition, if one is prescribed prescription opioids, pharmacies have been distributing naloxone in the event one overdoses. Many agencies offer training on the administration of naloxone and what to do if they encounter someone who had overdosed. Most trainings also provide naloxone for those who participate, this increasing the chances it is administered in the right situation.
One strategy for harm reduction that many do not realize fits into that category is rehabilitation facilities. These facilities allow someone to break their addiction, but in a safe, controlled environment. When someone is facing addiction, there is a chemical shift in their body. Many do not realize that this is not something you can easily and safely tackle on your own. If done improperly, one can get sick or even lose their life. Rehabilitation facilities utilize medication as well as therapy to help someone get over their addiction and on the road to recovery. While this strategy differs from other harm reduction strategies, the harm reduction stems from the monitoring and scientific approach to recovery.
Harm reduction comes in all shapes and sizes. Some seek to reduce collateral damage to users, some seek to provide treatment, and some look to reduce the negative impact of drugs. While polarizing, they are in fact productive. If you are interested more in this topic or anything similar, the Southwest Council provides free presentations for parents, community members, and schools. If you are interested in having a presentation, please feel free to reach out at (856) 794-1011.