What is Harm Reduction?

En Español [CC]
This video is part of the NIDA series At the Intersection: Stories of Research, Compassion, and HIV Services for People who Use Drugs.

“Harm reduction” is defined as interventions aimed to help people avoid negative effects of drug use, but many understand harm reduction as a way to meet people where they are with kindness and respect. In this video, we hear from people who use drugs, people who are in recovery, and harm reduction professionals on what harm reduction is (and isn’t) in their own words.

Interviews were filmed in September 2021 at the IDEA Exchange in Miami, Florida.

[Noise_floorxx]

“Harm reduction is the first step to recovery.” YESSS!!!!

[SavannahBosshardt]

Dr. Tookes,
I enjoyed watching your video discussing harm reduction. I enjoyed listening to the statistic that those who use syringe service programs are five times as likely to seek treatment, and getting them life-saving medication also guides them to recovery. Harm reduction services make a difference and have a powerful impact on the outcome of someone's life.

[jenniferhobbs]

It helps lives and it also a non judgment

[MissCheeVeeUs]

Harm Reduction may work for people who have enough self disapline to actually try to get help and talk to people. But how much self discipline does someone whos addicted to drugs really have? At some point it becomes enabling. And quite frankly i would perffer my tax dollars go to other much needed programs.

[andrecureton]

I don't believe in Harm Reduction. I work in the homeless community if you show love, understanding or compassion using the harm reduction approach, you put your life in danger. Two of my ex coworkers one shot dead the other nearly died ! In nearly 18 years where I work I've not seen harm reduction work not one time !

[ronswansonsdog]

What kind of lives are people living that you’ve saved? It’s a tragedy.