Harm reduction

Substance use harm reduction is about finding ways to minimize the negative effects of using drugs or alcohol without necessarily forcing someone to choose not to use substances entirely.

Harm reduction doesn’t judge or shame anyone for their choices; instead, it focuses on keeping people safe and helping them make better decisions. It recognizes that some people may use substances regardless of the risks, so the goal is to keep them safe and healthy while they figure things out.

Harm reduction | Safer Sacramento Youth

Things you can do to reduce harm

  • Drinking water between alcoholic drinks helps keep you hydrated and slows down your alcohol consumption.

  • Setting a personal limit before drinking can help prevent overconsumption.

  • Start with small amounts to gauge your body’s reaction.

  • Being around trusted friends helps you look out for one another. Consider designating someone who will not use substances.

  • Avoid accepting drugs or alcohol from unknown or unregulated sources. For example, getting weed from a stranger versus from a dispensary or buying counterfeit Percocet online.

  • Closed beverage containers reduce chances of someone adding something unknowingly to your drink.

  • Talk with friends in advance to know the plan. Where are you going? Do you have everyone’s contact info? Are you all leaving at the same time?

  • Plan transportation needs ahead of time – designate a driver, plan to walk, call an Uber, take the bus.

  • Use fentanyl test strips – these strips can detect whether drugs contain fentanyl, which can be extremely dangerous even in tiny amounts. Fentanyl test strips aren’t 100% reliable, and the entire drug must be tested. For example, if you’re testing a pill for fentanyl, you need to crush the pill and test the entire substance.

  • Carry Narcan (naloxone) and know how to use it. Naloxone (often sold under the brand name Narcan) is a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. You won’t do harm if you use naloxone on someone who has not used opioids.

Harm reduction lessens the risks of blackouts, sexual violence, risky behaviors, and overdose/ poisoning.

If you, or someone you know, choose to use alone or are at risk for overdose, there are overdose prevention apps available. The Brave App is designed to reduce harm for those at risk of overdose. You can set up a rescue plan and anonymously connect with a supporter. If you become unresponsive, the app issues an alert to a designated friend or emergency services.