What strategy aims to reduce the negative effects of drug use on health and society?

Harm minimization is a strategy specifically designed to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use for both individuals and society as a whole. This approach acknowledges that while some people may continue to use drugs, efforts should be made to lessen the health risks and social problems linked to drug usage. It includes various tactics such as providing clean needles to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, offering supervised consumption sites to ensure safer use, implementing drug testing services at events, and providing education on safer drug use practices.

This strategy does not focus on completely eliminating drug use but instead promotes safer behaviors and access to health services for those who do use substances. By prioritizing public health and safety, harm minimization helps alleviate the burden on healthcare systems and reduces the stigma surrounding drug users.

In contrast, abstinence focuses solely on encouraging individuals to refrain from drug use entirely, which may not be practical or achievable for everyone. Education can provide information on the risks of drug use, but it doesn’t directly address those already using substances. Rehabilitation aims to treat individuals struggling with substance dependency, yet it may not include the broader societal focus of harm minimization, which seeks to protect all members of the community.