What is Harm Reduction?

At Ascend Harm Reduction, harm reduction is more than a strategy—it’s a philosophy rooted in compassion, dignity, and practicality.

Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach to public health that recognizes that people will engage in behaviors that carry risk. Whether it’s drug use, sex, partying, or maybe not wearing ear plugs in loud environments, our goal is not to shame or punish. Our goal is to offer support, and education - empowering people to make safer and more informed decisions.

We believe that everyone deserves care, regardless of where they’re at in their journey.

What Harm Reduction means:

Reducing potential negative outcomes in any situation. Ex - choosing to wear your seatbelt in a vehicle “Harm Reduction” An evidence-based, client-centred approach that seeks to reduce the health and social harms associated with addiction and substance use, without requiring those who use to stop.

Key principles of harm reduction

Harm reduction is founded on kindness, compassion and caring, and is underpinned by several key principles. These principles are consistent with the concept of social justice, as well as healthcare professionals' foundational responsibilities, values, code of ethics, code of conduct, and, standards of practice.

PRAGMATISM  

• Non medical use of psychoactive substances is a universal cultural phenomenon.

• Despite the risks, drug use may also provide people and society with benefits that must be taken into account

HUMAN RIGHTS

• Respect the person's right to receive care and services, and to make choices for their own lives.

• Suspend moral judgement and focus instead on the person's right to human dignity. 

FOCUS ON HARMS

• The person's drug use is secondary to the harm associated with that use. 

• The priority is to decrease the negative effects of drug use, rather than decreasing drug use itself

PRIORITY OF IMMEDIATE GOALS

• Harm reduction focuses on "meeting the person where they are at and their immediate needs for care and services.

• Small gains lead towards wellness and a safer, healthier community