ABSTINENCE ISN’T FOR EVERYONE –

Jan. 2023 – “There are a lot of barriers for people who use drugs or do sex work and are living in certain situations,” says Orisha Bowers, the Executive Director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition.  

Syringe exchange programs, for example, are a form of harm reduction that allow people to swap used needles for clean ones, which prevents the spread of bloodborne diseases. Moreover, the safe disposal of dirty needles keeps community members safe, says Bowers.

Many harm reduction efforts focus on reducing the spread of bloodborne illnesses, preventing overdose deaths, and improving the wellbeing of people with substance use disorders.

If you or a loved one uses drugs, there are various harm reduction strategies that might be able to help you. 

Read on to learn more about these techniques and how you can best implement them in your life.

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