• What is harm reduction

What is harm reduction?

This report, from the Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme, reviews the current challenges to effective drug policy. The authors describe the division in current drug policy: there are those who believe that the priority should be eradication or reduction of drug use and availability at whatever the cost; and others who argue that widespread drug misuse will continue for the foreseeable future and needs to be effectively managed. There is substantial evidence to suggest that the policies should move away from reliance on supply reduction and law enforcement approaches. The authors argue that drug policy development needs to be rooted in international evidence and be responsive to local beliefs and values.

The authors call for a fundamental review of drug policy and a commitment to building and disseminating an international evidence base, which encourages open and informed public debate and reduces the costs of drugs misuse. They outline 5 priority areas for policy makers: building the evidence base, including mechanisms to produce, disseminate and analyse reliable data; refocus law enforcement efforts away from supply side and reduce the impact on disadvantaged people; manage drug related harm through evidence-based harm reduction programmes; expand treatment for addictions; and recognise the social context to drug production, use and trafficking. [adapted from authors]

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