This document discusses harm reduction and concurrent disorders. It defines harm reduction as a philosophical approach that aims to support people in reducing the negative consequences of substance use through moderating intake or safer methods of use. The key principles of harm reduction are that it is pragmatic, respectful, prioritizes goals, and maximizes intervention options. Harm reduction recognizes that people are at different stages of change and aims to remove barriers to accessing programs and services. Some challenges to harm reduction include community resistance, working with marginalized groups, ensuring proper training, and adequate resources.

1. POSSIBILITIES FOR CHANGE
HARM REDUCTION &
CONCURRENT DISORDERS
Stephanie Baker, MSW, RSW
Guelph Wellington Drug Strategy
Harm Reduction Forum
March 20th
, 2013

2. HARM REDUCTION & CD
HR IS INTEGRAL TO SUPPORTING
INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES LIVING WITH CD

3. WHAT IS HARM REDUCTION?
•A philosophical approach applied in practice
•Often understood broadly - can encompass many
variations of policies and programs
•Intention is to support people in reducing negative
consequences of use by moderating intake/switching to
less harmful modes of use (e.g. methadone or needle
exchange programs)
•A health-centered approach - implicitly and explicitly
acknowledges the social determinants of health

4. FOCUS OF HARM REDUCTION
• A non-judgmental response
• Offers a direct point of contact
• Focuses on achievable improvements that can reduce
adverse health and safety consequences
• Emphasizes measurable health, social, and economic
outcomes as well as cost effectiveness of interventions
• A best practice treatment recommendation, particularly for
people with severe and persistent MI

5. PRINCIPLES OF HARM REDUCTION
•Pragmatic
•Respectful
•Prioritizes goals
•Maximizes intervention options
(James, 2007)

6. PHILOSOPHY OF HARM REDUCTION
• Respects people and their abilities
• Recognizes the ‘Stages of Change'
• Removes barriers to accessing programs and
services
(James, 2007)

7. HARM REDUCTION MODEL
(RNAO, 2009)

8. CHALLENGES WITH
HARM REDUCTION
1) Community resistance
2) The need to work with highly marginalized groups
3) Ensuring appropriate knowledge and training
4) Adequate resources to initiate and maintain initiatives
(James, 2007)