M5 · Clinical Practice
M5
Slide 23
CONTENT
2. Harm Reduction
Harm reduction recognises that behaviour change is often gradual.
It focuses on:
Reducing immediate risk
Preventing overdose
Reducing infection
Supporting safer substance use
Maintaining engagement
Harm reduction does not equal endorsement of substance use. It prioritises safety over moral judgment.
Clinical Application
Instead of:
“You must stop drinking before we can help you.”
We say:
“How can we reduce the risks while you're still drinking?”
Instead of:
“You're not ready for treatment.”
We say:
“What feels manageable right now?”
Harm reduction stabilises health while motivation develops.
Harm Reduction and Physical Health
Examples:

Managing liver disease while alcohol use continues

Providing wound care even if drug use persists

Offering opioid substitution therapy

Providing naloxone

Supporting safer injection practices

Stability precedes abstinence.
It operationalises: Low-Barrier and Equitable Access — and strengthens Trust-Based and Trauma-Informed Practice.