11.7 Harm Reduction Benefits
Some Benefits of Harm Reduction Programs Include:
- Increased referrals and improved access to support programs.
- Reduced substance use in public spaces.
- Reduced stigma and increased access to health and social services.
- Reduced sharing of substance use equipment.
- Reduced blood borne illnesses, such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
- Reduced toxic poisoning-related (overdose) deaths, and other early deaths among PWUS and people experiencing SUDs.
- Increased knowledge around safer substance use.
- Increased knowledge around safer sex, sexual health and increase condom use.
- Improved health of PWUS and people experiencing SUDs.
- Reduced health care system costs.
- Reduced criminal justice system costs.
(CAMH, 2019; Understanding Harm Reduction, 2020).
