Shortcomings of harm reduction: toward a morally invested drug reform strategy

After a decade of steady diffusion in the drugs field, the harm reduction movement, posing pragmatic public health solutions based on empirical analysis, is still hindered by dissension and general confusion as to its underlying ideals. Despite having short-term political advantages, its 'value-neutral' style of discourse undercuts deeper moral foundations by attempts to forge the common ground in drug debates. Drawing on key statements in the literature and insights from interviews with leading Canadian drug policy observers, this commentary looks at rhetorical shortcomings that may act to encumber longer term harm reduction adoption and promotion.