Why Harm Reduction is important

Illicit drug use is a reality in society.

While many of us hold different views on using drugs, we all agree that keeping people safe and alive is the highest priority.

Attempts to eliminate drug use through prohibition and abstinence-only approaches have failed globally, resulting in tens of thousands of preventable deaths each year. 

You could say that the ‘war on drugs’ is really a war against us.

By contrast, harm reduction accepts that drug use is a reality and seeks to meet people where they’re at, right now… 

Harm reduction is both a philosophy and a pragmatic approach that:

• Saves lives
• Values human rights
• Takes a non-judgemental approach
• Is based in evidence and public health principles.

Download HRA’s slide presentation to learn more about harm reduction and the organisation’s aims. (pdf)