Harm Reduction

BDP aims to prevent substance-related harm by improving the ‘quality of life’ of:

Individuals with a substance-abuse problem, their carers and families.

Communities
(Those groups and professionals/agencies working in communities and the individuals within them)

Crime and the fear of crime.
Health and safety risks, specifically needlestick injuries.
The spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The impact of drug use on the next generation.

Carers
(Parents and partners of drug users)

Deterioration of physical, emotional and mental health.
Deterioration of family relationships.
Trauma in managing their role as carer of a substance misuser.

Individuals
Substance related harm to individuals includes:

Deterioration of physical, emotional and mental health.
Deterioration of housing, financial and employment security.
Deterioration of personal and social relationships.
Criminal activity.
The spread of HIV and other infections, notably Hepatitis C.
Death due to drug misuse, especially accidental overdose.
Stigmatisation and alienation by communities.