Harm Reduction
Harm reduction strategies help people who use drugs reduce their risk of HIV and other health harms.
Harm reduction strategies help people who use drugs reduce their risk of HIV and other health harms.
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use. Rather than requiring abstinence, harm reduction meets people where they are and helps them make safer choices. The CDC and public health experts recognize harm reduction as an evidence-based approach to preventing HIV and other blood-borne infections.
SSPs (also called needle exchange programs) provide sterile syringes and other injection equipment to people who inject drugs. They also offer HIV and hepatitis C testing, naloxone (overdose reversal medication), referrals to drug treatment, and other health services.
→ Find an SSP near you (NASEN)Medications like methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone), and naltrexone (Vivitrol) treat opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT reduces drug use and the associated risk of HIV transmission.
→ SAMHSA Treatment LocatorNaloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Many SSPs and pharmacies distribute naloxone without a prescription. Keeping naloxone on hand can save lives.
→ NEXT Distro — Naloxone AccessFentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs before use, helping people make more informed decisions about their drug use and reducing overdose risk.
→ Fentanyl Test Strips InformationPrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is also recommended for people who inject drugs. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%. If you inject drugs, talk to a healthcare provider or visit an SSP to learn more about PrEP. Learn more at CDC's PrEP page.