HARM REDUCTION - ROADS LESS TRAVELED TO THE HOLY-GRAIL

In recent years, a number of countries have embraced harm reduction as their principal philosophical stance and policy platform on alcohol a nd other drug-related problems. Harm reduction, while argued by some a s not being a new concept, has dramatically changed the overall orient ation of many health and human service approaches. We argue that as a result many important considerations have been overlooked. This paper explores the merits of harm reduction and examines the limitations and potential pitfalls that may exist in its application in the veal worl d. For instance, where do we position non-drug-use? Such questions are raised in light of the impression perpetuated by some leading practit ioners in this field that harm reduction is a global panacea for alcoh ol and drug problems. Without exploring all possible paths, progress t oward our holy grail of minimising the harms and maximising the potent ial benefits of drug use will be hampered. An integrated model is disc ussed, which we believe provides an opportunity for wider acceptance a nd ownership by alcohol and drug stakeholders, politicians and the com munity.