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Harm Reduction is based on these principles
Harm reduction is a public health alternative to the moral/criminal and
disease models of drug use and addiction.
Harm reduction recognizes abstinence as an ideal outcome but accepts
alternatives that reduce harm.
Harm reduction has emerged historically as a bottom-up approach based
on advocacy for and by drug users, rather than a "top-down"
policy promoted by policy makers
Basic Tenets of Harm Reduction
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Recognizes the value and dignity of all human beings
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Seeks to maximize social and health assistance, disease prevention
and education
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Recognizes the right for non-judgmental medical and social services,
and the right to fulfillment of basic needs of all individuals,
including users, their loved ones and the community in which they live
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Recognizes diversity of users and drug use, and the necessity for a
variety of outreach services
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Expects accessible drug treatment on demand
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Supports legal needle exchange and accessible safer sex and safer
drug use equipment
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Challenges the current drug policy
Harm Reduction is based on practical solutions and
approaches, recognizing that licit and illicit drug use is a reality and a
part of our world, rather than ignoring or condemning the substance user.
Programs involve past and present substance users and their voices shape
delivery of services. Substance use is a complex issue, happening on a
continuum of risk behaviours. Abstinence is at one end of the continuum
while high-risk dangerous behaviours lie at the other end. People
generally move back and forth along this continuum over time, utilizing
their own harm reduction techniques.
When we think of Harm Reduction for someone who has
Hepatitis C we encourage them to reduce the risks to themselves and
others. Some things to keep in mind for someone with hepatitis C:
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Eliminate or limit the use of alcohol. Binge
drinking (8 drinks at one time) is very hard on the liver
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Avoid Tylenol or acetaminophen, also hard on the
liver to process
Avoid fatty foods and try to eat a balanced diet
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Reduce stress in your life
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Avoid smoking
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Avoid sharing piercing and tattooing equipment
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Protect yourself from other infections
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Avoid sharing needles, or any injecting equipment
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Don't share straws for snorting cocaine
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Don't chew someone's already chewed gum and don't
pre-chew baby food
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Cover cuts that are open
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Avoid sharing toothbrushes or razors
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Don't share pipes for smoking crack or pot
especially if you have cuts or burns on your mouth
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Hep C is not often transmitted sexually, however
there may be times when it makes sense to use condoms i.e.: a woman is
menstruating, you have multiple sexual partners, there are openings on
the skin or your partner is unsure about transmission and prefers
condoms.
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Harm Reduction links
The
Canadian Harm Reduction Network
Canadian Foundation
for Drug Policy
International Harm
Reduction Association
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