What does the term "harm reduction" refer to?

Harm reduction refers to strategies and policies designed to minimize the negative health, social, and economic consequences associated with drug use, without necessarily requiring abstinence from drugs. The focus is on reducing the risks and harms associated with substance use, which can be beneficial to individuals and communities. This approach recognizes that while substance use may be a part of some individuals' lives, there are effective ways to reduce the potential for adverse outcomes, such as overdose, the spread of infectious diseases, and other health issues.

The emphasis of harm reduction is on practical solutions. For example, safe injection sites and needle exchange programs are interventions that directly target the health risks associated with drug use while acknowledging that abstinence may not be feasible for everyone. These strategies actively promote safer practices and provide access to health services, education, and support, which can lead to better health outcomes for users.

In contrast, the other options describe strategies that either seek to enhance substance use, aim for complete elimination of use, or promote abstinence without considering the consequences. None of these approaches align with the fundamental principles of harm reduction, which prioritize minimizing harm over the binary perspective of use versus abstinence.