Harm Reduction: Keeping the Door Open
Harm reduction reduces preventable death and other harms while respecting dignity, choice, and multiple pathways to change.
A person cannot enter recovery tomorrow if they do not survive today. Harm reduction includes practical strategies that reduce overdose, infection, injury, and other harms.
What matters in practice
It may include naloxone, drug checking, sterile supplies, wound care, safer-use education, and connection to treatment and recovery supports.
The boundary
It does not require anyone to say substance use is safe. It recognizes risk and acts to reduce preventable death while keeping a path to care open.
Primary source
Official source: https://barryeatonhealth.org/harm-reduction/
Educational scope: This article does not provide diagnosis, treatment, medical advice, legal advice, or emergency services.