Answer

Comparative Analysis of Harm Reduction Strategies

 ‘Harm reduction’ is a term that is used to describe the general policies used by respective countries to minimize the detrimental effects that are associated with drug abuse. Focus herein is on limiting the detrimental effects of drug usage rather than preventing the use of drugs in the first place (Hunt, et al., 2003). The presumption in this case is that focus on the latter would be an exercise in futility since the abuse of drugs has become so prevalent among young people thus there is need for a more systematic mechanism of dealing with the problem of drug abuse. This approach of dealing with the issue of drugs has been applied in Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, and Canada.

In the Netherlands, the harm reduction approach is implemented through outreach work, the establishment of ‘social addiction care’ centers, and low-threshold facilities (Hunt, et al., 2003). Through these centers, there is the possibility of supervised drug consumption (Hunt, et al., 2003). Outreach programs are also used to ensure that there is a reduction in the incidents of drug-related public nuisance (Hunt, et al., 2003). The facilities also oversee the distribution of needles and syringes in all major cities in the country.

Just like in the Netherlands, the harm reduction approach utilized by Portugal includes the provision of needles and syringes and supervised drug consumption. In addition, however, the approach extends to the provision of a way out of drug abuse through substance abuse treatment (Torre, Lucas, and Barros, 2010). Curable STDs that had been acquired as a result of the lifestyle that accompanies drug abuse are also treated. The aim essentially is to improve the livelihoods of drug addicts so that they can have a reason to live their lives differently.

In Austria, the implementation of the harm reduction approaches lie exclusively with the nine provinces (Hunt, et al., 2003). The focus thereto is on low-threshold assistance and the minimization of the detrimental consequences that accompany drug abuse. Among other modalities, harm reduction is specifically done through the provision of syringes and other hygienic equipment.

Harm reduction approaches have been utilized by Switzerland from as back as the 1980’s. They are utilized through mechanisms such as social support, provision of housing, supervised consumption, provision of needles and syringes, and drug testing (Hunt, et al., 2003).

The harm reduction procedures as applied in Canada are meant to reduce the adverse social and economic consequences that accompany drug use. The harm reduction strategies have been devolved to the provinces and territories (Hunt, et al., 2003). Among other things, the government conducts public awareness and ensures that naloxone is readily available.

I support the approach utilized by Portugal to the extent that it has been effective in significantly lowering the rates of drug abuse in the country. I am particularly in support of the fact that the country has ensured that there is the option of a way out of drug abuse.