Harm Reduction

This guide provides resources to support:

• Understanding about a harm reduction approach and its role on the continuum of care for people who use substances and/or people who engage in higher risk sexual practices.
• Awareness of authorized Harm Reduction Interventions and the evidence for them.
• Knowledge to implement Interventions.
• Clarity about the policy as it pertains to Team Members and work processes.

Harm Reduction is an approach that recognizes that sometimes harm cannot be avoided or entirely prevented. In these cases, we can take steps to reduce the likelihood or seriousness of harm. Harm reduction approaches stress the importance of eliminating stigma in the care of persons who use substances or who participate in higher risk activities (Nova Scotia Health, 2025).

The resources listed in this guide are intended to be a support to implementing the policy and may not be comprehensive of existing services and resources in your area. If you would like to suggest a resource for inclusion, contact HarmReduction@nshealth.ca

What is harm reduction?

Harm Reduction is an evidence-based, public health approach that aims to reduce the negative health, social, legal, and economic impacts of harms related to substance use, higher risk sexual activity, and homelessness. It is an approach that does not require or promote abstinence. Harm Reduction is a set of practical strategies and interventions, that includes (but is not limited to) the provision of information, education, medication, and/or supplies for safer sex, drug use, or referral to community resources so that individuals may make informed decisions (Nova Scotia Health, 2025).

Principles of Harm Reduction

• Accepts that people use substances for many different reasons and seeks to reduce the related harms rather than ignoring or condemning them.
• Does not deny or minimize the harms or dangers associated with drug use.
• Uses a non-judgmental, non-punitive, and non-coercive approach to care—respecting the autonomy and dignity of people who use substances.
• Acknowledges how social and structural factors (e.g., class, racism, poverty, past trauma) influence individuals' experiences with substance use, affecting both their susceptibility to harm and their ability to respond.
• Recognizes the expertise of people who use drugs and ensures their involvement in the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs.

Adapted from National Harm Reduction Coalition

Substance use health, like physical health, mental health, or sexual health, exists on a spectrum from no use and beneficial use to problematic use and disorder (CAPSA, 2023). There are ways to support wellness across the spectrum, including harm reduction and treatment.

Harm reduction is part of the continuum of care for substance use health:

Nova Scotia Health Resources

Harm Reduction helps make healthcare more accessible and supports healthier communities.

Nova Scotia Health’s Harm Reduction policy highlights our commitment to including Harm Reduction as an essential part of quality care. It gives you the option to use approved Harm Reduction approaches in your work, as long as they align with your role and responsibilities. You’re encouraged to participate in education and training about Harm Reduction strategies that you can use in your program or service.

Providing care that is non-judgmental and free of stigma is central to Harm Reduction. This includes avoiding stigmatizing language when speaking with or about individuals or in your documentation. It’s also important to get informed consent and clearly document both the consent and the intervention in the patient’s record. There are many resources available to support you to provide evidence-based harm reduction care. If you have questions, reach out!