An innovative model of change—grounded in human dignity, health equity, and evidence-based solutions.
Why harm reduction?
People with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and those who use drugs deserve compassion and care, not stigma and punishment. Harm reduction lessens the harm associated with using drugs through a variety of public health interventions.
Harm reduction supports the autonomy and agency of people to make their own choices. Harm reduction values kindness, compassion and respect, especially as people explore what works, and what does not work as well, in their lives. Harm reduction is a social movement rooted in the belief that all of our survival depends on building deep bonds of trust and collaboration to build power. Harm reduction does not believe in leaving people behind.
To learn more about the research behind harm reduction, as well as real-world experiences, visit the resources below.
Solution-Based Research
“The History and Context of Harm Reduction in the United States.” | Richard Pates
“Addicts who survived: An oral history of narcotic use in America.” | D. Courtwright.
“An interview study of participants in the Tacoma, Washington, syringe exchange.” | H. Hagan.
“Syringe service programs for persons who inject drugs in urban, suburban, and rural areas” | Multiple authors.
“The opioid epidemic in the United States.” | Multiple authors.
Policy
Iowa: Naloxone Access Law, Iowa Code § 135.190
Louisiana: Syringe Possession & Distribution, La. Stat. Ann. § 40:1023
New Mexico: Good Samaritan Law, N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-31-27.1
North Dakota: Syringe Possession & Distribution, N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 19-03.4-03
Missouri: Naloxone Access Law, Missouri Code § 155.130
“I am alive today because someone gave me and my loved ones naloxone to use in case I ever overdosed. I am now in treatment because I was given a second chance at life.”
Resources
“The History and Context of Harm Reduction in the United States.” | Richard Pates
“Addicts who survived: An oral history of narcotic use in America.” | D. Courtwright.
“An interview study of participants in the Tacoma, Washington, syringe exchange.” | H. Hagan.
“Syringe service programs for persons who inject drugs in urban, suburban, and rural areas” | Multiple authors.
“The opioid epidemic in the United States.” | Multiple authors.
Resources
“The Struggle of Constantly Living on the Brink” | The Guilfordian, March 3, 2023
“Democrats tout ‘tough-on-crime’ legislation” | New Jersey Spotlight, February 13, 2023
“Sea Change RCO’s Dual Goal to Serve Recovery Community While Influencing Policy” | The Sandpiper, March 1, 2023
“N.J. lawmakers want to pass harsher penalties for fentanyl despite pleas from social justice and harm reduction advocates” | WHYY, February 13, 2023
“To my surprise, the harm reduction principles were very practical. Learning them helped me gain a new attitude towards addiction. As a result, I can help myself and others.”
