Harm Reduction
Harm reduction refers to the practices, programs, strategies, and policies designed to reduce the danger that is associated with some behaviors. The term is used mainly in the context of substance abuse and reckless sexual behaviors. The main idea behind the principle is the acknowledgment that absolute abstinence from potentially harmful deeds may not always be possible. Indeed, risky behaviors may persist despite the dangers that they pose (Miller & Rollnick, 2012). Therefore, the services and strategies devised to promote the safety of individuals, families and communities should aim to enhance their skills, knowledge, support, and resources.
Prior Understanding of Harm Reduction
Before the class discussions, my understanding of harm reduction was quite limited. I never thought that self-harm could have such a huge impact on people’s lives. Initially, I thought abstinence from substance abuse and other destructive behaviors was the only solution to leading an healthy life. My knowledge was limited to ways of preventing drug use rather than averting the related consequences of substance abuse. The class discussions shaped my opinion of the subject to a different understanding. What I learned from the discussions is that drug-induced harm can be reduced by utilizing strategies, policies, and interventions geared towards minimizing the negative consequences of substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors (Denning & Little, 2011). Additionally, for those with addictions, the absolute abstinence from the substance is not a realistic goal. Therefore, it is critical to develop strategies that accommodate such people while at the same time helping them to reduce potential harm significantly.
Is Harm Reduction Appealing?
Harm reduction is beneficial to those who abuse substances, their families, and the community. Harm minimization strategies acknowledge that substance abuse and other risky behaviors are unavoidable, hence, the need to shift the focus from condemning and ignoring those affected to providing avenues for minimizing the harmful effects of the habits. From this perspective, harm reduction is an appealing idea. Numerous benefits can accrue from embracing harm reduction strategies (Miller & Rollnick, 2012). Key strategies are reduction in hepatitis and HIV transmission cases and increased referrals to health, social, and treatment services and programs. Harm minimization approaches also lessen substance abuse in public places, and consequently, the resultant disposal of dangerous injection needles. Moreover, the plans can contribute to education on safer sex and reduced crime rates. All these benefits make harm reduction strategies worth while.
Harm Reduction Strategies
Many harm reduction strategies that can be adopted within my current practice, community, and the entire United States. Some of these strategies are easy to utilize while others may be quite challenging. Regarding the potential consequences associated with substance use, key approaches that are not hard to utilize include encouraging the use of clean syringes, knowing one’s dealer, and, using drugs in a safe place where the doors are left unlocked (Denning & Little, 2011). Concerning sexual behavior related risks, some easy-to-use strategies to adopt include encouraging the carrying and use of condoms, using lubricants, adopting non-penetrating activities, and encouraging sex workers to charge less in cases where condoms are used. One of the strategies that may be challenging to utilize is the prescription of pharmaceutical heroin to addicts because the it is quite expensive to administer. Furthermore, HIV positive persons may not be very receptive to strategies such as condom use.
Will Harm Reduction Strategies become More Widespread?
In the United States, harm reduction strategies will become more widespread ways of dealing with substance use since a growing number of people acknowledge that the habit is inevitable in the current society. As a result, people are changing their focus from advocating for abstinence to enlightening addicts on how to reduce the harmful effects of the behavior. Moreover, the focus has shifted to the causes and harms of risks in the form of discouraging behavior, providing teens with information and skills aimed at minimizing the impacts of dangerous habits, and encouraging people to adopt the best alternatives (Miller & Rollnick, 2012).
Advocacy and Ethical Issues in Harm Reduction
While harm reduction strategies may be thought of as viable ways of dealing with substance abuse, ethical and advocacy issues that affect them must be scrutinized (Denning & Little, 2011). One of the beliefs towards destructive behaviors such as substance abuse and irresponsible sexual activities is that they are undesirable, hence, they should be avoided. Some groups advocate for total abstinence as they argue that harm reduction policies tend to encourage young people to engage in undesirable activities. While advancing harm reduction strategies, it is crucial to consider some key moral issues. For instance, questions such as whether alternative solutions, such as the use of condoms, should be promoted among young school children is a significant ethical issue. Similarly, some harm reduction alternatives may trade off the health of addicts.
Harm reduction entails policies and strategies aimed to minimize the effects of risky behaviors, including substance abuse and sexual behaviors. The benefits that accrue from these approaches in the form of harm minimization are quite appealing. Different methods can be adopted at distinct levels. However, when utilizing these strategies, it is critical to consider the moral issues that they present.
References
Denning, P., & Little, J. (2011). Practicing harm reduction psychotherapy: An alternative approach to addictions. New York: Guilford Press.
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. New York: Guilford Press.