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Practicing Harm Reduction with Self

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“Harm Reduction, It’s Not Just for Others” –Jon Swanson

Harm reductionists are pretty good at forgetting that the advice we give others—that change takes time, that incremental change is best, that chipping away at a problem is the only way to change, that change is possible and desirable—and the techniques we teach—making boundaries, using safety equipment, eating better, drinking more water, cutting back on problem behavior, getting exercise, seeing loved ones, making art, meditating—that are so effective for our participants, are EQUALLY BENEFICIAL TO US,

OG’s will all grudgingly agree that you really should make a commitment to practicing, as well as preaching, harm reduction.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Resilience Building

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Because so many of us are so similar to the folks we serve, including the trauma we carry with us, and because it is now recognized that extreme stress impacts people who care for people experiencing that trauma nearly as much as the people directly impacted by that trauma, it is essential that people in […]
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Principles of Harm Reduction

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These principles were developed over a period of about four years in the 1990s amid much debate among early harm reductionists, who came to consensus on these enduring principles of harm reduction.
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