R Street Institute

R Sheets Behavioral Health

R Sheet on Opioid and Injection Drug Use Harm Reduction

by Carrie Wade AND Chelsea Boyd
May 29, 2019
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Key Points

Though controversial, harm reduction strategies like syringe exchanges and naloxone access programs have the potential to save lives on a population level.
Syringe exchange programs have proven effective in decreasing transmissions of blood-borne infections from intravenous drug use.
Uncertainty about the legality of supervised injection facilities has discouraged states from utilizing this harm reduction technique.
Decreasing financial barriers to obtaining naloxone and medication-assisted treatment will help at-risk populations.
Expanding access to naloxone is most effective when combined with other harm reduction methods.

 Harm reduction programs offer crucial services that save lives and decrease disease transmission. They also encourage interaction with medical professionals, which can improve individual and community health in the short term and potentially lead to treatment and recovery in the long term. 

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