Harm reduction

Practical approaches to reducing the risks of substance use, even before someone is ready to stop.

What it is

Harm reduction means reducing the dangers of substance use without requiring abstinence as a precondition for support. It's based on the evidence that people are more likely to stay safe — and eventually more likely to reduce or stop use — when they're not also fighting for access to basic support.

Good to know

Carrying naloxone, never using alone, and knowing what's actually in a substance (where drug-checking services exist) are all harm reduction practices that save lives regardless of whether someone is ready to stop using.

What helps

Naloxone kits, drug-checking where available, and harm-reduction-informed counselling all reduce risk without requiring someone to commit to quitting first. Treatment remains available whenever someone is ready for it — the two aren't in competition.

When to seek help

There's no threshold to meet first — harm reduction support is available to anyone currently using substances, on its own terms.

Services that can help

See all related services in NL