What is a common approach within harm reduction strategies?

Harm reduction strategies focus on minimizing the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with substance use without necessarily requiring abstinence. Providing access to clean needles and safe usage information is a fundamental aspect of this approach. By enabling users to have clean injecting equipment, these strategies help reduce the transmission of bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, which can occur through sharing needles. Moreover, offering safe usage information empowers individuals to make informed choices that can lead to safer patterns of use, ultimately aiming to reduce the overall harm that substance use might otherwise cause. This approach recognizes the complexities of addiction and aims to meet individuals where they are, promoting health and safety rather than solely focusing on punitive measures or enforced abstinence.