This perspective is often opposed by those who believe immediate abstinence is the only right response to drug abuse and that steps to relieve pain and protect lives condone immoral behavior. Clergy for a New Drug Policy categorically rejects this perspective.

Drug treatment is the most widely used form of harm reduction. Treatment can include behavioral therapy and medical intervention in outpatient or residential settings.  In the fall of 2015, the Obama administration took action to remove existing barriers to medication-assisted treatment for opioid addicts.  This move will expand access to evidence-based  treatment for addicts.  It marks a victory over outdated abstinence-based methods that have dominated the drug treatment industry.

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, is a special form of harm reduction. Heroine users, for example, can receive methadone to eliminate withdrawal symptoms. If prescribed over a long period, it can help stabilize the lives of people who are dependent on, or addicted to, drugs.

Harm reduction also includes measures to prevent drug overdose. Good Samaritan laws enable individuals to call 911 to report potential overdose cases without fear of reprisal. Such laws have been enacted in 21 states. Naloxone has the capacity to quickly counteract the effects of heroin overdose. It is available in 30 states.

Providing access to clean syringes prevents HIV and hepatitis C. According to the Center for Disease Control, one-fifth of all HIV and most hepatitis C cases are caused by infected needles. The cost of a single needle is estimated to cost $0.97; the daily cost of treating AIDS with the medication Truvada is estimated at $36 per day.   Syringe access programs exist in 35 states.

On January 8, 2016, Congress lifted its ban on federal funding for needle exchanges. The government still will not pay for the purchases of needles but will permit federal support for staff salaries, counseling, and other costs.

Several countries, including Norway, Australia, and Canada, provide safe injection sites, where addicts receive health care and treatment. Such sites are operating in 27 cities worldwide. No such facilities exist in the United States.  Recent months have seen an increase in voices on state and local levels calling for safe injection sites.  The most powerful call has come from New York City, where the SIF NYC campaign has begun leading efforts to establish safe injection sites in the city.

Clergy for a New Drug Policy seeks to identify opportunities to advocate for expanded drug treatment and other harm reduction measures across the country.  We call attention to effective diversion efforts in the hope that they can serve as national models.

Questions about harm reduction? Check out our War on Drugs FAQs or contact us!