Define the term “harm reduction.”

The term “harm reduction” specifically refers to strategies and approaches that aim to minimize the negative consequences associated with substance use rather than insisting on complete abstinence. This perspective recognizes that while substance use may pose risks and dangers, completely eliminating use may not be immediately achievable for everyone. Therefore, harm reduction strategies focus on implementing practical measures to reduce the adverse health, social, and economic impacts that can arise from substance use.

For example, harm reduction can include the provision of clean syringes to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, supervised consumption sites to ensure users are safe while using substances, or programs that educate users on safer practices. This approach also emphasizes the importance of understanding individual circumstances and allows individuals to take incremental steps toward healthier choices. In contrast, other options in this question either limit the focus of the strategies to complete abstinence, offer unrelated support, or focus merely on education without the active components of reducing harm.