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Harm reduction: what it is and is not.

P G Erickson1

  • 1Addiction Research Foundation, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2S1.

Drug and Alcohol Review
|January 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Harm reduction, a pragmatic public health approach, emphasizes achievable steps and respects individual decision-making. Its meaning has evolved, contrasting with punitive drug policies.

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Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Drug Policy
  • Social Science

Background:

  • The concept of harm reduction has evolved significantly over time.
  • It is increasingly recognized as a key public health strategy.
  • A clear, agreed-upon definition is needed to guide its implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the historical development and core principles of harm reduction.
  • To contrast harm reduction with traditional punitive approaches to drug use.
  • To highlight the pragmatic and regulatory nature of harm reduction.

Main Methods:

  • Historical analysis of the term "harm reduction".
  • Conceptual comparison with prohibitionist and legalization models.
  • Examination of harm reduction's application in public health and illicit drug policy.

Main Results:

  • Harm reduction is characterized by an emphasis on small, achievable steps.
  • It is philosophically distinct from, and predates, approaches solely focused on HIV prevention.
  • It prioritizes understanding individual control mechanisms among drug users.

Conclusions:

  • Harm reduction is a pragmatic approach that favors regulation over prohibition or unchecked legalization.
  • Educational approaches in harm reduction are open, honest, and respectful of autonomy.
  • It offers a more effective and less harmful alternative to punitive drug control strategies.

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