Harm Reduction – Strategies for Youth

Understanding harm reduction is a strategy to reduce risks and increase protective factors. Adolescence is a time of experimentation and risk-taking behaviors. Some of these behaviors are coping mechanisms resulting from trauma and abuse, leading to addiction and long-term consequences. Once engaged in these behaviors, such as substance misuse, high risk sexual behavior, or self-harm, abstaining can be difficult or rejected by youth.

The premise of harm reduction is to reduce the risks associated with these behaviors, while increasing protective factors such as alternate coping skills, social engagement, and supportive family interaction.

Learn how harm reduction can be an effective tool to reduce or minimize consequences of negative or risky behaviors.