The harm reduction approach revisited: An international perspective

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International Social Work, Vol. 43, No. 2, 243-251 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/002087280004300209

An international perspective

Ming-sum Tsui

Department of Applied Social Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, ssmstsui{at}polyu.edu.hk

The harm reduction approach has been used in substance abuse prevention, treatment and rehabilitation for three decades. This article re-examines its underlying assumptions, redefines the major concepts and reviews the main features of existing programs in an international perspective. The author finds that harm reduction is pragmatic, incremental, comprehensive, scientific, proactive and accessible. Its effectiveness is supported by empirical studies. Although it is still an alternative approach in some parts of the world, it will soon become an internationally adopted, mainstream approach.