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At Turning Point, harm reduction is an essential part to our approach to supporting individuals and communities across the UK. We believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, non-judgemental support, advice and care, whether they use drugs or not.
What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that prioritises people's health and focuses on keeping people who use drugs safe.
At Turning Point, we meet people where they are. We understand that everyone's journey is unique, and that people may have different goals when it comes to their substance use.
Rather than focusing entirely on stopping substance use, harm reduction focuses on practical steps that can reduce harm, improve health and save lives.
Why is harm reduction important?
Harm reduction saves lives. By providing naloxone, Needle Syringe Programmes (NSPs) and advice around safer use, harm reduction reduces the risk of drug related deaths, prevents the spread of infections, and provides access to health care.
Beyond being a health care initiative, the bottom line of harm reduction is about providing people with respect and dignity. We see people as people, not as a problem or a behaviour. Harm reduction helps to minimise risks associated with substance use while creating opportunities for people to engage with support in a way that works for them.
Does harm reduction support recovery?
A common misconception about harm reduction is that it discourages abstinence or can negatively impact recovery.
In reality, harm reduction and recovery work hand in hand.
A harm reduction approach acknowledges that every recovery journey is different. While abstinence may be the goal for some people, it isn't for everyone. Others may focus on improving their health, relationships, stability and quality of life.
By keeping people safe and enabling access to support at every stage, it creates opportunity of meaningful change when someone feels ready.
What does harm reduction look like in practice?
Harm reduction advice comes in many forms and can depend on a person's circumstances and needs. Examples include:
- Overdose Awareness and Naloxone Distribution
Naloxone is a life-saving medication which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
In the UK, anyone can carry and administer naloxone. It is also harmless if there are no opioids present.
Widening access to naloxone is an important access to preventing drug-related deaths. Naloxone can be access via local services or hubs, some pharmacies, and online via our free Click and Deliver Service.
- Needle Syringe Programmes
Needle Syringe Programmes (NSPs) provide free, sterile equipment and safe disposal options for people who inject or smoke drugs.
Having access to sterile equipment helps to reduce to risk of blood borne viruses, such as Hepatitis and HIV, and bacterial infections. NSPs also provide safe, confidential and non-judgemental spaces for conversations around safer use, testing and support services.
We currently provide NSP through a variety of routes including at Turning Point sites, community pharmacies, and via NSP Direct – a free and discreet delivery service to access safer injecting equipment to your home.
- Safer use information and guidance
Access to advice and information about reducing risks when using substances can help people make informed decisions and protect their health.
We’ve created a new series of substance information cards, designed to share clear, current information and reliable harm reduction advice to help keep you informed and safe.
The cards have been written by our expert teams and shaped by those with lived experience, meaning its advice you can trust.
Get your free digital or print ready versions here.
- Health interventions
Interventions can support individuals to make informed choices or access support services by increasing understanding of their health and wellbeing. This can include vaccinations, blood-borne virus testing, fibro-scans, health checks and referrals to specialist services where needed.
Find support
Turning Point's services across the country help people to stay safe, improve their wellbeing and access the support they need.
To find out more about our free and confidential drug and alcohol support, click here.