Harm reduction
RANGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICIES DESIGNED TO LESSEN THE NEGATIVE SOCIAL AND/OR PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH VARIOUS HUMAN BEHAVIORS, BOTH LEGAL AND ILLEGAL
Harms reduction; Reduce harm; Harm minimisation; Harm minimization; Harm-reduction; Harm reduction techniques; Wet shelter; Criticism of harm reduction
Harm reduction, or harm minimization, refers to a range of public health policies designed to lessen the negative social and/or physical consequences associated with various human behaviors, both legal and illegal. Harm reduction is used to decrease negative consequences of recreational drug use and sexual activity without requiring abstinence, recognizing that those unable or unwilling to stop can still make positive change to protect themselves and others.