What is harm reduction in the context of peer support practice?

• A. A set of strategies to reduce negative consequences of use.
• B. A punitive stance toward substance use.
• C. A goal of diagnosing substance use disorders.
• D. A program to require abstinence.

Answer: (A)

Harm reduction in peer support focuses on lowering the negative consequences of substance use by meeting people where they are and offering practical, nonjudgmental strategies. In practice, this means prioritizing safety and wellbeing without demanding abstinence, and supporting the person’s own goals—whether that includes reducing use, using more safely, or seeking treatment later on. Examples include overdose prevention and naloxone access, safer-use education, access to clean supplies, linking to housing or healthcare, and ongoing peer support that respects the person’s choices. This approach builds trust, reduces risk, and keeps people engaged in services, which is central to effective peer support. It contrasts with punitive attitudes toward use, which punish or shame individuals, and with approaches that aim to diagnose a disorder or require abstinence as a condition for services. Harm reduction thus provides a practical, client-centered framework that minimizes harm while supporting the person’s autonomy and long-term well-being.