Harm reduction helps people prevent or reduce harms from substance use, including health, social, or legal harms. Most importantly, information, tools, and support are provided without requiring a person to commit to stopping or reducing their use.

Harm reduction prioritises positive change. This can look like everyday practices that help people to stay safer when using drugs. It can include helping people access any support they need for their health, employment, and housing. Harm reduction can also refer to work in communities and systems to address health, social, and political needs of people who use drugs. 

Stigma, discrimination, and the fear of legal consequences can shut down conversations about drugs and prevent people from getting information, tools, or support. Harm reduction breaks down these barriers by offering care without judgement, always respecting people’s autonomy and dignity. 

These approaches are tailored to the needs of each community, but the core values - compassion, respect, and human rights - are universal. Whether it’s providing opioid substitution therapy, needle exchanges, or drug checking, harm reduction saves lives and supports healthier communities. 

Harm reduction is rooted in human rights and can refer to: 

  • Pragmatic policies and legislation. 

  • Programmes, practices, and approaches that support people who use substances to minimise potential health, social, and legal impacts.

  • Information, tools, and support that help reduce the risk of potential harms.

Harm reduction is for anyone who uses substances. Information and support can be tailored to fit each person’s situation and the positive change they want to focus on.  

Not only does harm reduction prevent problems and save lives, it also gives people more stability in their lives. They can focus on relationships, work, and all those other things that keep people healthy.

Harm reduction kaimahi (worker)

In Aotearoa, harm reduction is one of the Service Principles in the Oranga Hinengaro System and Service Framework released by the Ministry of Health in April 2023. This Framework sets the direction of the mental health and addiction system and services over the next ten years. 

Harm reduction works at different levels, because the impact that substances may have on a person is influenced by many factors. These factors include:

  • Laws and policies: Different substances are treated differently in the eyes of the law and law enforcement. This impacts how people using these substances are treated. 
  • The substance, set, and setting: The drug, set, and setting model outlines that a person’s experience of a substance is influenced by: 
     
    Three circles showing The drug, Your mindset, and The setting.

    Image from NZ Drug Foundation reflection workbook



  • Patterns of use: Riskier use, high doses, and frequent use without breaks can impact work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. 
  • Drug supply: Misrepresented or unexpected substances can pose significant risks (e.g. taking a drug that is different from what the person expected). 
  • Access to support: Fear of legal or social consequences often keeps people from getting information or seeking help. 
  • Risk factors: Trauma, mental health issues, poverty, and lack of stable housing or employment can increase the likelihood of harm. 

Harm reduction practices don’t turn a blind eye to risks or harm. Harm reduction kaimahi (staff) talk honestly with people about risks and harm and provide them with all the available options so people can choose.

Read more

Harm reduction principles and values

Values to guide harm reduction practice in Aotearoa and examples from overseas.

Tools and resources for harm reduction

Tools for health services to strengthen their harm reduction practice and support staff to have harm reduction conversations.