Exploration of the Concept of Harm Reduction

Philosophy underlying harm reduction  Problem drug use is not an all or nothing phenomenon: it ranges on a continuum of minimal use to extreme abuse  Changing addictive behavior is necessarily a stepwise process with complete abstinence as the final goal. Any movement in the direction of reduced harm, no matter how small, is positive  Sobriety is not for everyone. The harm reduction approach rejects a moralistic approach and states that the health and well-being of the individual is the primary concern. If individuals are unable or unwilling to put aside addictive behaviors at any given time, they should not be denied services.  The significance of „relapse‟ is the underlying failure with relationships, work, responsibilities, or other functions; the resumption of addictive behavior is a result of these failures,lesl which must themselves be addressed.