Definitions for "Harm reduction"
Refers to a set of interventions designed to diminish the individual and societal harms associated with drug use, including the risk of HIV infection, without requiring the cessation of drug use. In practice, harm reduction programs include syringe exchange, drug substitution or replacement therapy using substances such as methadone, health and drug education, HIV and sexually transmitted disease screening, psychological counseling, and medical care.
Actions reducing the risks associated with drug use; examples include needle exchange programmes to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and other health complications arising from injecting drugs. (See Drugs, FAQ - Drugs coordination)
This approach seeks to find a pragmatic position based on acknowledging that many in society will continue to use drugs irrespective of the legal frameworks or the moral imperatives to not use. Harm reduction advocates promote such options as clean needles and syringe programs, the provision of prescription heroin as a treatment option and supervised injecting facilities (Evans, 2001). Implementation The process of adopting an innovation within an organisation's working agenda (Ask et al, 1998).