Harm reduction is a philosophy that supports drug policies based

on science, compassion, health and human rights.

It uses pragmatic strategies that meet drug users “where they’re at” and all
positive changes, even incremental ones. Harm reduction supports safer
use of drugs — syringe programs, safe consumption sites and methadone,
for example — and empowering people to live happy, healthy lives .
We believe in treating all people, including drug users, with respect and
without stigma. We oppose criminalizing drugs and drug users.

Based on principles of public health, harm reduction offers a pragmatic yet compassionate set of
strategies designed to reduce the harmful consequences of addictive behavior for both drug consumers
and the communities in which they liver.

We adopt and practice from a harm reduction philosophy, as we critically believe in meeting
students “where they are” in relation to their needs and goals. As such, our clinicians consider
the full range of substance use, the multitude of possible concerns and objectives, and the
myriad ways of working uniquely towards positive change, where any goal aimed at reducing
harm is valid. One of the pioneers of this stance, Dr. Alan Marlatt, describes this orientation
as “compassionate pragmatism” (1998), noting that it is grounded in the principles of deep
respect, compassion, and empowerment of each individual.

The above philosophy and principles are embodied in Integrative Harm Reduction
Psychotherapy, as developed by Dr. Andrew Tatarsky. According to IHRP, the Substance
Misuse Program (SMP) recognizes the complexity of substance use issues for each individual ,
and thus aims to tailor treatment to fit the individual. We draw on multiple therapeutic
traditions, including psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioural, and we utilize
an array of methods, including mindfulness strategies, and discovering the layers of
meanings and functions of these behaviours – all in an effort to engage the whole person.

“Harm reduction allows to ask people the question of how to get people from where they
are to where they want to be. [...] If we make an offer to people that they aren’t ready
for, it’s unlikely that they’ll accept them,” shared Dr. Tatarsky.

He explained that harm reduction embodies compassionate pragmatism because it

provides evidence-based programs that are delivered with acceptance of the user. This
means to provide treatment services that are patterned according to the person’s
capability and end goal. It shifts the attention from abstinence to a reduction of drug-
related harm. It focuses on starting where the person is and making small incremental
changes toward reduced risk. This is how most complex behaviors change.
“The harm reduction model allows us to partner with people toward the greatest
reduction of harm, which may be non-problematic use or may be abstinence. [...] Most
problematic drug users at the point that they become concerned about their use are not
ready, able, or willing to start stopping. But we can start from there.”

“Rather than scare tactics, we tell people the real dangers of drugs. When we don’t know the
doses or other dangers, we need to give people the tools to make the right decisions.
Empowering people with information, skills, and strategies to stay safe,

Compassionate pragmatism in harm reduction practices helps make an offer that

speaks to their needs and engages them in the process and collaborate with them in
solving the problem.

Dr. Tatarsky presented harm reduction practices that could be applied in rehabilitating
drug users such as enhancing self-regulation skills, practicing urge-surfing, joining
group therapies, taking part in physical activities such as exercise and self-care, and
focusing on personal relationships. Other activities can also be used to help rehabilitate
drug users.