Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with substance use. Harm reduction utilizes a wide range of techniques (e.g. safer use, managed use, or abstinence) to meet people “where they are at.” The goal of harm reduction is to address use and the condition of use.

This three-hour training focuses on definitions of harm reduction, four pillars of harm reduction, and how to put a harm reduction approach into action. To learn more about this training, review the agenda.

At the conclusion of the training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the basic principles of harm reduction
• Apply the basic principles of harm reduction and a range of harm reduction strategies
• Employ harm reduction in intakes, assessments, education groups, and counseling sessions
• Analyze how harm reduction strategies are related to readiness for change
• Evaluate how well your agency currently integrates harm reduction principles and practices