SUBSTANCE safety

"Harm reduction refers to policies, programmes and practices that aim to minimise the negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws.

Harm reduction is grounded in justice and human rights. It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that people stop using drugs as a precondition of support." 

- Harm Reduction International

"There is no generally accepted definition of drug-related harm reduction; however, it is known to cover a set of activities that are intended to minimize the negative physical and social impact, including the transmission of HIV, incurred by the behaviours related to drug use."

- World Health Organisation

No. Harm reduction does not promote or encourage drug use but helps people make healthier choices for themselves. Harm reduction recognises that there will always be some people who will use drugs, and some people who may be unwilling or unable to stop using drugs. Harm reduction offers policies, programmes and practices that aim to minimise the negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use as well as drug laws and policies.

- Harm Reduction International