Public Policy

Laws and policies around possession, use and sale of drugs should be ensure that they do not unintentionally increase the availability and use of illicit substances.

There is good evidence from previous drug epidemics that eliminating criminal penalties, without incentivizing entry into treatment, increases drug use and drug harms.

Public messaging should avoid creating a positive perception of a potent drug’s safety.

Harm reduction programs should have resources and processes in place to facilitate rapid entry into treatment and recovery programs.

Harm reduction programs should facilitate convenient, low-barrier entry into treatment for patients who wish it.

Harm reduction programs should employ practices that protect patients and the public from harm.

In particular, programs that prescribe potentially addictive drugs should take steps to limit diversion.  Diversion expands the number of people using, and being harmed by, illicit substances. The most effective, evidence-based strategy to limit diversion is through observed dosing with gradual introduction of carries. Programs that allow drug use on-site should ensure that the surrounding neighbourhood is protected from violence and open drug use.

Cautionary Principle

Do not promote things that are known to cause harm.

Prevention and early intervention are fundamental to integrating people into proven treatment modalities.