Dangers associated with particular behaviors are sometimes exaggerated, with the intention of scaring people away from the behavior. Scare tactics may work for a while, but when people see inconsistencies between what they are told and what they experience, and feel that the dangers have been exaggerated, or feel that they have been manipulated, they may disregard all of the information as biased. People want to be happy and healthy. When people have opportunities for critical thought, self observation and self reflection, are able to identifying a range of options, and when they feel supported and respected, they will be most capable of maximizing their health and happiness, and the health and happiness of their families and communities. Behavior change is a process.
Radical change can be extremely difficult.
Rather than imposing an absolute standard that people must meet, this approach regards any positive change as good. Ultimatums, however well intentioned, will invariable not be met by some people. The individuals who have the most difficulty meeting an ultimatum may well be the people who are most in need of help. In no way does the harm reduction approach minimize or ignore the many real and tragic harms and dangers associated with drug use or other stigmatized behaviors. Much of the information on this page is based on training and materials developed by the Harm Reduction Coalition and the Harm Reduction Training Institute.