Authors – Emily Pasman, Ph.D., L.M.S.W. & Kara Dickinson, B.S.
Though opioid overdose deaths were first declared a US public health emergency in 2017, nonfatal and fatal overdoses continue to rise and remain a leading cause of injury-related death nationally. Recent estimates indicate that drug overdose deaths increased 3% from June 2022 to June 2023, accounting for over 111,000 deaths in the 12-month period. The current overdose crisis is characterized by an adulterated and unpredictable drug supply, placing people who use drugs at high risk of accidental overdose. These trends underscore the need for new approaches to turn on the tide on the overdose crisis.
In recent years, harm reduction has received increased attention as a strategy to prevent drug overdose deaths. Harm reduction services reduce the negative consequences of drug use without requiring people to stop using drugs. Harm reduction recognizes that abstinence is not a realistic or desirable goal for everyone; these services aim to improve overall health and well-being rather than eliminate drug use completely. Examples of harm reduction include syringe service programs which provide sterile needles and syringes to people who inject drugs, safe consumption sites which provide a hygienic setting where people can use pre-obtained drugs under medical supervision, and naloxone distribution programs which increase access to overdose reversal medication. A large body of research shows harm reduction services engage high risk, hard-to-reach populations; reduce infectious disease transmission; and reduce overdose death; without increasing drug use or crime.
While harm reduction has long been embraced throughout several countries worldwide, in the US harm reduction is less well-known. Harm reduction tends to be underused due to concerns that services might “condone” or “enable” drug use. For example, efforts to distribute naloxone have been challenged by criticisms that easy access to naloxone might encourage risky behavior. Research shows naloxone distribution does not increase drug use; in fact, people with access to naloxone may be more likely to reduce their use than increase it. Concerns about “enablement” are similarly unfounded. The idea that a person must hit rock bottom in order to seek help and achieve recovery is a myth. In reality, people with more resources and support are more likely to recover. In fact, accessing harm reduction services increases the likelihood that a person will seek treatment.
Harm reduction services are available in communities throughout Michigan. Learn more about how to access harm reduction supplies or support harm reduction programs in your community below:
Find a local syringe service program on Google Maps or MDHHS’s printable program directory.
Naloxone is available at pharmacies and vending machines throughout the state. Naloxone can also be ordered online. To learn more about overdose response and naloxone administration, see this video from The Grand Rapids Red Project, or sign up for a free training session through Families Against Narcotics.
Learn more about fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, including where to order them online, from the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse. Testing strips are also available for free at distribution hubs throughout Michigan, such as Oakland County’s Save a Life Stations.
People who use drugs can call the National Overdose Prevention Hotline at 1-800-484-3731 for overdose prevention, crisis response, and reversal services.
For general information about strategies for safer drug use, visit the National Harm Reduction Coalition.
Stay up to date about harm reduction policy and practice by subscribing to the newsletters from the Safe Project and Drug Policy Alliance.