On this info page Drugreporter provides regular updates about resources and news on how harm reduction service providers respond to the COVID-19 Epidemic.
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a pragmatic and compassionate approach to people who use licit and illicit drugs. As a principle it is applied in several other areas of life, for example when you fasten your seat-belts in a car to reduce the risk of injuries. Policies and services based on harm reduction respect the dignity and freedom of human beings and help them to stay healthy and alive even if they choose to continue using drugs. A very obvious example is to distribute clean needles among people who use drugs to prevent hepatitis C and HIV infections. Harm reduction programs should be part of an integrated social and healthcare system. But harm reduction is much more than just a set of services - it is a movement for freedom and social justice applied in the field of drug policy. Drugreporter is a chronicle of this movement.
4 Short Videos about Recent Developments in Global Drug Policies
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is the largest international drug policy decision making forum in the world. This year, at the 63rd session of the CND, our video advocacy team produced four short video reports to inform the public about some of the major developments.
How to Make a New EU Drugs Strategy?
The EU Drugs Strategy (2013-20) expires this year and there are huge gaps in its implementation. Policy documents that are not enforced damage the credibility of the EU. To avoid this, we should revise the paradigm and create a new framework for actions.
A Reality Check of the Official Data on Harm Reduction – Interview with Eberhard Schatz
The Correlation European Harm Reduction Network published its first monitoring report (download here!) of harm reduction in Europe. On this occasion, we interviewed Eberhard Schatz, one of the two coordinators of the network about new trends and challenges.
Just Say No to Shame
Many people know the story of the drunkard from Saint-Exupéry’s Little Prince, who drinks because he is ashamed, and is ashamed because he drinks. This article is about how ancient wisdom and modern science teach us to avoid shaming as a tool to change people.
“Radical Action is Needed Across Wales” – Interview with Martin Blakebrough
The overdose epidemic in Scotland attracted international media attention but we know less about what is the situation in other parts of the UK. We interviewed Martin Balekbrough, the CEO of the Kaleidoscope Project from Wales.
Following Up With the Clients of the Closed Harm Reduction Programs in Budapest and Belgrade
Our report, based on the findings of research conducted among the clients of closed needle and syringe programs in Budapest and Belgrade, sheds light on the dire consequences of declining support for harm reduction in Central Eastern Europe.
Some Drugs Are More Dangerous Than Others
I agree with Carl Hart (read here!) that people who use psychedelics should not look down on stimulant or opiate users. Using different drugs doesn’t make them better or more virtuous persons. But I disagree with claims that methamphetamine or heroin is no more dangerous than cannabis or LSD.
What Works on the Ground in Europe? – 4 Case Studies
In this report we present four best practices in the field of drug demand and harm reduction from three countries. With this report, we would like to promote the culture of evaluation both among civil society organisations and decision makers.
Nonexistent? We Exist!
NONEXISTENT? We Exist! A documentary on the inspiring efforts of communities working on the streets of Russia to try and halt the HIV epidemic. Watch the film! About the Film ‘Nonexistent? We Exist!’ is a documentary film about the communities of people living with HIV in Russia. It tells the story of how the members […]
