The Principles of Harm Reduction: Looking Beyond Abstinence

Abstinence-based messaging and interventions have long been used as the gold standard to deter populations from adopting various types of behaviours that can have detrimental effects on health. However, its limited success in addressing drug addiction and other public health issues has called for a more holistic multi-pronged approach to meet the needs of our modern-day society. Harm reduction is an evidence-based public health strategy that has been implemented to minimize the risk of injury, disease, or death associated with a potentially high-risk or addictive behaviour. Public Health Insight’s Podcast Hosts discuss the underlying principles of harm reduction strategies and the overall weaknesses of stand-alone abstinence-based programs and health promotion campaigns. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We would love it if you shared your thoughts with us through direct message on your social media platform of choice or by emailing us at [email protected] made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comSend us a Text Message to let us know what you think.