Harm Reduction Basics
This principle of harm reduction aims to meet people where they are without judgment.
What is a nonjudgmental approach?
This substance is the most widely used recreational drug in the United States.
What is alcohol?
This medication can reverse an opioid overdose.
What is naloxone (Narcan)?
Harm reduction programs often integrate this type of care to address the root causes of substance use.
What is trauma-informed care?
This type of program provides short-term housing and support for individuals in recovery.
What is a sober living home?
Harm reduction strategies often prioritize this outcome over abstinence.
What is reducing harm or improving safety?
Long-term use of opioids can lead to dependence, but this is the more immediate risk.
What is overdose?
The color of someone’s lips turning blue is often a sign of this during an overdose.
What is lack of oxygen or respiratory depression?
Experiencing trauma early in life is referred to by this acronym.
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
These programs provide free or low-cost treatment for substance use disorders.
What are community health centers?
Providing clean syringes to individuals who use injectable drugs is an example of this.
What is a needle exchange program?
This common stimulant found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks is also classified as a psychoactive drug.
What is caffeine?
To prevent alcohol poisoning, individuals should consume this at a slower pace.
What is alcohol?
This mental health condition often co-occurs with substance use disorders.
What is depression or anxiety?
This type of hotline offers crisis support and connection to local resources.
What is a crisis or substance use hotline?
Harm reduction recognizes substance use as a part of life and focuses on this type of intervention.
What are pragmatic and evidence-based strategies?
These substances, often misused for pain relief, contributed to the opioid epidemic in the U.S.
What are prescription opioids?
When someone overdoses, calling this number is a critical step to saving their life.
What is 911?
Building this skill is essential for managing stress and reducing reliance on substances.
What is resilience?
This federal program funds initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic.
What is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)?
This international organization popularized harm reduction as a global public health approach.
What is the World Health Organization (WHO)?
This synthetic drug, originally developed as an anesthetic, is now commonly used as a party drug.
What is ketamine?
Mixing opioids with this type of substance significantly increases the risk of overdose.
What are benzodiazepines (or other depressants)?
Programs that emphasize this type of care focus on emotional safety and empowerment.
What is person-centered care?
These organizations advocate for policy changes to support harm reduction efforts.
What are harm reduction advocacy groups?