Our Harm Reduction Program is an evidence-based, client-centred approach that seeks to reduce the health and social harms associated with addiction and substance use, without necessarily requiring people who use substances from abstaining or stopping.
Harm reduction acknowledges that many individuals coping with substance addiction may not be in a position to remain abstinent from their substance of choice. The harm reduction approach provides an option for users to engage with peers, medical and social services in a non-judgemental way that will ‘meet them where they are.’ This allows for a health oriented response to substance use, and it has been proven that those who engage in harm reduction services are more likely to engage in ongoing treatment as a result of accessing these services.
Included in our harm reduction approach to substance use is a series of programs, services and practices. Providing a safe environment for substance use with someone they trust, and needle exchange programs for people who injects. Essential to a harm reduction approach is that it provides a non-judgemental and non-coercive strategies for people who use substance in order to enhance skills and knowledge to live a safer and healthier life.