Harm Reduction for the Primary Care Clinician

People who use drugs (PWUD) are at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis, overdoses, and medication interactions. The increased morbidity and mortality due to substance use can be prevented with harm reduction strategies. Primary care clinicians are best positioned to implement harm reduction as they are the focal point of care, see patients regularly, and know their comprehensive history. When caring for PWUD, clinicians should be mindful of increased risks that each substance poses, and offer screening, prophylaxis, testing, and vaccination. Outside of the clinic, clinicians should be aware of community resources for harm reduction.