The International Harm Reduction Association defines ‘harm reduction’ as policies, programmes and practices that aim to:Question 7Select one:Reduce the risk of HIV infection and HIV-related harm among people who continue to use drugs.Increase abstinence oriented treatment and supply reduction strategies.Reduce the harms associated with the use of psychoactive drugs in people unable or unwilling to stop.Reduce the use of drugs harms but excluding tobacco where cessation is the preferred outcome.

The International Harm Reduction Association states that the objectives or goals of ‘harm reduction’ can be arranged in a hierarchy with the more feasible options at one end and less feasible but desirable options at the other end.Concerning the use of abstinence as an option they specifically state that:Question 8Select one:Abstinence is the primary way to achieve drug use cessation and should be the key focus of any treatment approach.Abstinence is only desirable in efforts to stop the spread of HIV.Abstinence can be considered a difficult to achieve but desirable option.Abstinence has no place in a ‘harm reduction’ approach where the goal is to reduce (not stop) drug use.

What is the purpose of a harm reduction strategy in drug treatment?Multiple choice question.to decrease the level of drug use slowlyto refrain completely from using drugs without aid of other medicationsto minimize the negative effects of drug use and abuseto increase the negative effects of drug use and abuse, making a person not want to use the drug again

Which of the following is NOT a harm reduction strategy?needle exchangemethadone maintenance programsdesignated driver programsarresting drug dealers

Which of the following enforcement strategies is most effective for reducing prescription drug abuse?Group of answer choicesImplementing prescription drug monitoring programsIncreasing taxes on prescription drugsCreating social media campaignsProviding educational classes and workshops

Select all that applyWhich of the following are examples of harm reduction strategies as opposed to self-help programs?Multiple select question.methadone maintenancealcoholics anonymoustesting street drugs for potencysyringe exchange programs