Understanding harm reduction: Substance use

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102a
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What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction is a public health approach to substance use (including alcohol, cannabis and other substances) and drug policy. The aim of harm reduction is to support the health and wellbeing of people who use substances. Harm reduction aims to meet people “where they are at”, whether that is active substance use or abstinence (i.e., avoiding the use of substances).

Harm reduction programs and services aim to lessen the harms related to substance use and drug policy, including blood borne infection transmission, drug poisoning (overdose) and criminalization. Harm reduction is also an approach to service delivery that prioritizes evidence, centres human rights, and challenges stigma.

Some examples of services available to reduce harms related to substance use include:

  • Impaired driving prevention programs, which raise awareness of the risks of driving under the influence of substances
  • Harm reduction outreach and support programs
  • Information and resources on safer ways to use substances, including alcohol, opioids, stimulants and other substances
  • Harm reduction supply distribution and disposal services
  • Drug checking services, which help inform people about what may be in an illicit drug sample
  • Options for opioid substitution (agonist) treatment such as methadone or Suboxone®
  • Medication and program options to help manage and reduce alcohol use
  • Take-home naloxone kits which include medication to reverse opioid poisoning. This helps prevent brain injury and death
  • Overdose prevention and supervised consumption services (OPS/SCS) which help prevent drug poisoning (overdose) deaths and reduce other harms associated with substance use
  • Mental wellness and healing support programs and centres
  • Peer support programs led and attended by people who use substances

What are the benefits of harm reduction related to substance use?

Harm reduction has many benefits for people who use substances. It also helps their families, friends and communities. Research shows harm reduction activities can:

  • Reduce stigma
  • Increase access to support programs, as well as health and social services
  • Reduce sharing of substance use equipment
  • Reduce the spread of infections, such as hepatitis C and HIV
  • Reduce deaths and other harms from drug poisoning and substance use
  • Increase knowledge around safer substance use practices

Should I have concerns about harm reduction?

Some people express concerns about harm reduction. A common concern is that harm reduction activities encourage people to use substances. However, research shows that harm reduction activities do not encourage substance use. In fact, they can support people who use substances to protect their health and to access the services and supports they need.

For more information

For more information about harm reduction and naloxone, visit:

For more information about overdose recognition, prevention and the Take Home Naloxone (THN) program, visit: