Harm Reduction
Many activities in life involve some level of risk, but there are ways to reduce the potential harm associated with these types of activities.
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Harm reduction is about keeping yourself and others safer when doing things that involve risk.
For example, using safer sex supplies like condoms reduce the risk of contracting and spreading Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Drinking less can reduce the short and long term risks of alcohol use, like cancer.
When it comes to substance use, harm reduction strategies and services save lives. Harm reduction prevents substance use-related harms, including overdose. It also includes things like sterile needle distribution which helps curb the spread of infections, like HIV and Hepatitis C.
Harm reduction meets people where they are in life and can be a stepping-stone in their recovery journey.
If you or someone you know uses drugs, stay safer by:
- Learning the steps for safer substance use.
- Using safer substance use supplies like sterile needles.
- Carrying naloxone and using the National Overdose Response Service (NORS).
- Visiting supervised consumption and overdose prevention services and having drugs checked.
- Finding mental health and substance use support and getting a referral to a health support service.
- Attending peer support programs run by people with lived experience using substances.
- Finding treatment options like opioid agonist treatment (methadone or suboxone).
There are many benefits of finding ways to stay safer. Harm reduction can improve your social, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It also helps you connect with others and develop healthy relationships.
Non-judgmental approaches and services to reduce harm are available to all people who needs them. These supports treat people with respect and help save lives.
For support online and in your community to stay safer:
- Find out where to get safer sex and drug use supplies in your community
- Call 8-1-1 for information on services in your area, or to speak to a registered nurse or pharmacist
Resources
Showing 7 Resources
HeretoHelp
Provides online mental health and substance use information for individuals and families in BC. The website features thousands of plain-language resources including personal stories, articles, information sheets and content in eleven languages. As well, individuals can email requests for help, support, information or referrals.
There are also four screening self-tests visitors can take covering mental well-being, depression, anxiety disorders and risky drinking. The website is coordinated by the Canadian Mental Health Association's BC Division on behalf of a group of mental health and addictions non-profit agencies called the BC Partners.
First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day
Free access to primary and mental health care closer to home for First Nations people who have limited or no access to doctors.
National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
The National Overdose Response Service is a virtual supervised consumption site. NORS anonymously connects you with a trained, non-judgmental peer who will stay with you virtually while you use drugs. If you become unresponsive, they’ll call emergency services for you. You can contact NORS by call, text or online chat, 24/7, 365 days a year, anywhere in Canada.
NORS also provides connection, support, and referrals to other services. It can also contact a trusted person identified by the caller, alongside emergency services where needed.
bc211
A free phone, text, and online search service that helps you find community, government and social services in your area.
Overdose Prevention Sites Listings (Toward the Heart)
Locations where people can safely use drugs under supervision of staff trained in emergency response. Services are free.
Naloxone Information and Support
Learn how to use naloxone to help stop an overdose and save lives. Pick up a free naloxone kit at a location near you.
Drug Checking Sites (BCCSU)
The drug supply in B.C. is extremely toxic. Use free drug checking services at supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites.