Harm Reduction refers to policies, programs and practices that aim to reduce the many health, social and economic consequences of the use of legal and illegal drugs without necessarily reducing drug consumption. This approach towards substance misuse and addiction goes beyond the one size fits all model of abstinence ("What is harm," 2013).
Since its initial identification in the 1980s, harm reduction has evolved to combat the negative consequences of a multitude of addictions. G. Alan Marlatt, PhD was a professor of Psychology and director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington. His pioneering research with harm reduction has had a huge impact on the treatment of addictions in the United States and abroad (Victor & Yalom).
There is no concrete formula for how harm reduction works, but it is a respectful, client-centered and individualized approach to reducing the harm caused by using substances, engaging in risky behavior and other addictions. It aims to keep people safe and minimize death, disease, and injury ("What is harm," 2013). Harm reduction accepts that many people who use drugs are unable or unwilling to stop using drugs. Instead of forcing abstinence, reduction provides support services and strategies to provide knowledge, skills, resources, and supports for individuals, families and communities to be safer and healthier (Bigier, 2005). This approach works by helping individuals from "where they are". From there, small steps are taken to increase safety and well-being while completing individuals' goals. This approach views people as responsible for their own choices. G. Alan Marlatt, PhD explained that in this program, "We'll help you, whatever your goal is. You want to quit, we'll help you. You want to cut back, we'll help you. We're not going to shut you out." Many other traditional treatment programs would say, "Unless you're totally committed to abstinence, we're not going to work with you" (Victor & Yalom).
Addiction: This approach can have a large impact on the addiction cycle. In the cycle, an individual experiences depression and negative feelings so they use their addiction to cope with these feelings. The negative feelings disappear and they feel good. However, then the individual experiences some kind of negative consequences. Then, the individual feels guilty, shameful or angry about their actions. They become upset again and the cycle continues (From class notes). The harm reduction approach could stop this cycle before negative consequences occur. If the individual is educated and steps are taken to prevent these negative consequences, the individual might be less likely to give into their addiction again. Even if they continue to engage in their addiction, they will be more educated about how to be safe while using. 
Example of Harm Reduction: Needle exchange programs are one major harm reduction strategy. These programs aim to reduce the spread of viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C among injecting drug users. With an estimated 1 in 5 injecting drug users worldwide infected with HIV, these programs are key to getting the epidemic under control ("Needle exchange and," 2013). It is hard to get users to stop, but we can at least make sure they are safe while using. If we do not give them clean needles, they will use use dirty ones anyway. These programs have proven to be successful. A study of HIV among IDUs in New York, between 1990 and 2001, found that HIV prevalence fell from 54 percent to 13 percent following the start of needle exchanges ("Needle exchange and," 2013). However, these programs are subject to much criticism. It can be thought that "there’s a mixed signal when we're telling kids stay off drugs, but in some cases 200 feet away, we're allowing people to exchange needles" ("Needle exchange and," 2013). This video further explains needle exchange programs: http://youtu.be/wQYWw2UERHE
Use of Harm Reduction in my Career: I am a social work major, and as a future social worker, I will be using many strengths-based approaches with my clients. The preamble to the National Association of Social Worker's Code of Ethics notes that the primary mission of the social work profession is to "enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty" (Bigier, 2005). I may encounter many people who suffer from addiction and are also vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty. I believe that the harm reduction approach can help these people the most. I can offer many strategies to my clients that will minimize the potential harm that may result from their behaviors and environment while helping them reach their personal goals.
References:
Victor, R., & Yalom, A. Alan Marlatt on harm reduction therapy. Retrieved from http://www.psychotherapy.net/interview/marlatt-harm-reduction
Victor, R., & Yalom, A. Alan Marlatt on harm reduction therapy. Retrieved from http://www.psychotherapy.net/interview/marlatt-harm-reduction
What is harm reduction?. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.ihra.net/what-is-harm-reduction
Needle exchange and hiv. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.avert.org/needle-exchange.htm
Bigier, M. (2005). Harm reduction as a practice and prevention model for social work. Retrieved from http://www.olc.edu/~jolson/socialwork_old/OnlineLibrary/Bigler
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