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Global State of Harm Reduction
Harm Reduction International
The Global State of Harm Reduction e-tool is an online resource containing up-to-date information on harm reduction policy and programming around the world. The web pages draw on the latest research in this area to present an at-a-glance guide to the current state of harm reduction worldwide.Go to the interactive map (outside link)
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Prescribing Cannabis for Harm Reduction
Mark CollenHarm Reduction Journal 2012, 9:1
January 2012
Neuropathic pain affects between 5% and 10% of the US population and can be refractory to treatment. Opioids may be recommended as a second-line pharmacotherapy but have risks including overdose and death. Cannabis has been shown to be effective for treating nerve pain without the risk of fatal poisoning. The author suggests that physicians who treat neuropathic pain with opioids should evaluate their patients for a trial of cannabis and prescribe it when appropriate prior to using opioids. This harm reduction strategy may reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with prescription pain medications.
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Amphetamine Type Stimulants and Harm Reduction
Experiences from Myanmar, Thailand and Southern China
Tom BlickmanTNI Drug Policy Briefing Nr. 38
October 2011
Little is known about the methamphetamine market in the region, but there are strong indications that the situation is deteriorating with substances becoming stronger, methods of use more harmful and the number of users steadily increasing. There is an urgent need for donors and governments to introduce effective harm reduction measures.
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Breaking the Silence
Cannabis prohibition, organized crime and gang violence in British Columbia
Report prepared by the Stop the Violence BC Coalition
October 2011
This brief report outlines the links between cannabis prohibition in British Columbia (Canada) and the growth of organized crime and related violence in the province, and is the first report of a coalition of concerned citizens and experts known as Stop the Violence BC. The report also defines the public health concept “regulation” and seeks to set the stage for a much needed public conversation and action on the part of BC politicians.
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Tackling Violence in Mexico
A translation of an article by Eduardo Guerrero in Nexos
Eduardo Guerrero GutiérrezNexos (México)
June, 2011
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The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) translated the article La raíz de la violencia by Eduardo Guerrero Gutiérrez that was originally published in Spanish in the June 2011 edition of the Mexican magazine Nexos. Guerrero’s article, "At the Root of the Violence," deserves as wide an audience as possible. The author makes a compelling case for shifting to a strategy of "deterrence" to reduce the horrific violence that has been spreading in Mexico. -
The Dutch treatment and social support system for drug users
Recent developments and the example of Amsterdam
Eberhard Schatz, Katrin Schiffer & John Peter KoolsIDPC Briefing Paper
January 2011
This paper, written in collaboration with the Correlation Network, briefly describes the history and the basic elements of the Dutch drug dependence treatment policy, including recent trends in drug use and the current drug treatment system implemented in the four largest cities in the Netherlands. Building on more than 30 years’ experience, the Dutch approach focuses on an integrated treatment system, which provides comprehensive support and services to the most vulnerable groups, including homeless people, problematic drug users and chronic psychiatric patients. At the same time, a strong emphasis is given to public order and crime reduction.
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From the Mountaintops
What the World Can Learn from Drug Policy Change in Switzerland
Joanne CseteOpen Society Foundations
October 2010
Published by the Open Society Foundations, this report looks at how evidence-based services such as heroin treatment, injection rooms, and needle exchange can lower HIV infection rates, improve health outcomes, and lower crime rates.
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If Supply-Oriented Drug Policy is Broken, Can Harm Reduction Help Fix It?
Melding Disciplines and Methods to Advance International Drug Control Policy
Victoria Greenfield & Letizia PaoliUnited States Naval Academy Department of Economics
Working Paper 30
August 2010
Critics of the international drug control regime contend that supply-oriented policy interventions are not just ineffective, but they also produce unintended adverse consequences. Research suggests their claims have merit. Lasting local reductions in opium production are possible, albeit rare; but, unless global demand shrinks, production will shift elsewhere, with little or no effect on the aggregate supply of heroin and, potentially, at some expense to exiting and newly emerging suppliers.
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Heroin Assisted Treatment
The state of play
Christopher HallamInternational Drug Policy Consortium Briefing Paper
July 2010
This briefing paper explores the question of Heroin Assisted Treatment (HAT), examines the growing body of evidence emerging from its clinical use in addiction therapies, and makes recommendations for policy makers.
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The Vienna Declaration
The Vienna Declaration is a statement seeking to improve community health and safety by calling for the incorporation of scientific evidence into illicit drug policies. We are inviting scientists, health practitioners and the public to endorse this document in order to bring these issues to the attention of governments and international agencies, and to illustrate that drug policy reform is a matter of urgent international significance. We also welcome organizational endorsements.Download: The Vienna Declaration (PDF)
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