Beyond Abstinence: Harm Reduction and Its Impact on Addiction Disorders

Harm reduction is a public health strategy designed to minimize the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with drug use. Rather than relying on complete abstinence, harm reduction focuses on reducing the harmful consequences of substance use for individuals and communities using a non-judgmental, pragmatic, and flexible approach.

Common harm reduction strategies include needle exchange programs (NEPs), supervised injection sites, medication-assisted treatments (MAT), naloxone distribution and drug checking services. Emerging technologies have introduced the integrations of wearable devices and digital tools which are transforming traditional harm reduction practices, by offering real-time monitoring, early intervention and personalized support for individuals at risk.

This Research Topic aims to gather a comprehensive collection of research that addresses the multifaceted approaches to reducing the adverse consequences associated with substance use and addiction. We welcome articles highlighting innovative research, evidence-based practices, and policy developments that contribute to the harm reduction framework.

Suggested Themes for Papers (may include, but are not limited to):
- Innovative Harm Reduction Interventions: new methodologies and technologies in harm reduction, including safe consumption spaces, needle exchange programs, and supervised injection sites.
- Incorporation of new technologies: how these can expand and improve interventions, potential pitfalls and applications to existing interventions.
- Community-Based Approaches: case studies and analyses of community-driven harm reduction initiatives.
- Psychosocial Aspects: The role of mental health support, counselling, and community engagement in harm reduction strategies.
- Healthcare Integration: best practices for integrating harm reduction into healthcare settings, including emergency response and primary care.
- Intersectional Harm Reduction Approaches: the application of harm reduction practices for racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and gender minorities.
- Ethical Considerations: Ethical dilemmas and considerations in the implementation and practice of harm reduction.
- Effectiveness and Outcomes: Quantitative and qualitative research assessing the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies on individual and public health outcomes.

Keywords: Harm Reduction, Harm Reduction Strategies, Substance Use and Addiction, Community-Based, Interventions, Addiction

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.