Overview
Drugs
Harm reduction combines work aimed directly at reducing the number of drug related deaths and blood borne virus infections with wider goals. These include preventing drug misuse, encouraging stabilisation in treatment and support for abstinence. Providing effective substitution treatments and effective support for abstinence are the complementary aims of such a balanced response.
(Reducing Drug Related Harm: An Action Plan – Department of Health & National Treatment Agency, 2007)
The aims of treatment are:
- to reduce harm to user, family, community and society
- to improve health and prevent death
- to stabilise lifestyle
- to reduce the amount of illicit drug use
- to reduce crime
Alcohol
For many people, having a drink with friends is an enjoyable social activity. However, drinking too much, too often can lead to a variety of problems. Or people sometimes drink too much in settings which put them at risk of harming themselves or the people around them.
Harm reduction is about making the information and advice available to individuals to allow them to make the decision to cut down or even stop drinking.
Where to go for help
The Service Finder section of this website will help you find Drug or Alcohol Services closest to where you live.
There is also a Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) Drugs and Alcohol Helpline, full details of which can be found in the BME Drugs and Alcohol Leaflet.