Harm Reduction Manifesto

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Harm reduction is a public health approach that seeks to minimize the negative consequences of substance use and related behaviors, rather than demanding immediate abstinence. It includes strategies such as syringe service programs, opioid overdose prevention, and medication for addiction treatment. Rooted in the AIDS epidemic, harm reduction meets individuals where they are and supports "any positive change" they are willing to make, whether that means safer use, reduced use, or moving toward recovery. This approach acknowledges the dignity and autonomy of individuals while promoting health and well-being. 

Substance use is neither inherently good nor bad. It is a neutral act, and the meaning attached to it comes from the lived experiences of the people who use substances. Harm reduction does not view individuals through the lens of criminality or pathology but instead recognizes the agency and context of the people who use substances. We support their autonomy while providing them with tools and resources to make choices that improve their well-being.

Progress in harm reduction is not rooted in moral judgment, but in improvement. We do not waste our energy defending outdated models of care or stigmatizing people for their struggles. Instead, we prioritize solutions that offer a healthier future for those who use substances, looking forward, not backward.

We acknowledge that ambivalence is a natural human response to change. It is not the duty of harm reduction to rush people through their journey. Instead, we honor each individual's process, knowing that their ambivalence is a universal experience in the human condition. This understanding allows us to create spaces that embrace uncertainty, and support people through their changes.

Stigma is not the lone predator; it is the pervasive atmosphere that shapes our culture and interactions. Harm reduction seeks to challenge and dismantle the structures that perpetuate stigma. It is not enough to address the overt discrimination; we must work to shift the very systems, language, and attitudes that make stigma possible. By creating a space free of judgment, we invite the possibility of transformation—not just for the individual, but for society as a whole.

Harm reduction values the lived experience and practical knowledge of those who have walked the path before us. Evidence comes not just from academic studies, but from the real-world experiences of people who use substances and those who support them. The true measure of success is not found in theoretical ideals but in the tangible improvement of individuals' lives.

At the heart of harm reduction lies relationship—genuine, authentic, and caring relationships. These are not transactional exchanges but relational connections built on mutual respect, empathy, and trust. We know that true change comes when people feel seen and heard, not just when they are told what to do. This perspective rejects systems that dehumanize individuals and, instead, seeks to create environments where people are respected for who they are, not judged for their behavior.

Harm reduction is rooted in a non-punitive approach. We reject the idea that punishment, criminalization, or shame can lead to positive change. Instead, we focus on compassionate, humanistic care—embracing people with empathy and understanding. We know that every individual is deserving of respect, dignity, and love. Our response to people who use substances is always grounded in the belief that they are more than their substance use.

"Harm Reduction is loving people until they get their health back." Edith Springer 

At its core, harm reduction is an act of love. It is a commitment to loving people through their struggles until they can reclaim their health, both physically and emotionally. It is not about expecting immediate or perfect results but about meeting people where they are, providing consistent care, and walking with them as they rebuild their lives. Harm reduction means showing up with patience, compassion, and a deep belief in the potential for change.