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.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're in crisis, go to Get Help Now instead of reading further.