POSSIBILITIES FOR CHANGE

HARM REDUCTION & CONCURRENT DISORDERS

Stephanie Baker, MSW, RSWGuelph Wellington Drug Strategy

Harm Reduction Forum March 20th, 2013

HARM REDUCTION & CDHR IS INTEGRAL TO SUPPORTING

INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES LIVING WITH CD

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

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

PRINCIPLES OF HARM REDUCTION

 •Pragmatic

•Respectful

•Prioritizes goals

•Maximizes intervention options

(James, 2007)

PHILOSOPHY OF HARM REDUCTION

• Respects people and their abilities

• Recognizes the ‘Stages of Change'

• Removes barriers to accessing programs and services

(James, 2007)

HARM REDUCTION MODEL

(RNAO, 2009)

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)