Harm reduction is a set of strategies and approaches that decrease the negative consequences associated with substance use.  Harm reduction facilitates change based on the individual’s desire for change, sense of self efficacy and internal and external resources.

It is important to note that most of the harms associated with drug use come from drug policies that lead people to use drugs in more dangerous ways.

Oasis services are available to people who inject or smoke drugs or who are involved in survival sex work.  

In general, people take drugs because of the way they make them feel (seek pleasure), the way they make them not feel (avoid pain) and to create connections with others (sense of belonging).

Drug use can become problematic when there are pre-existing problems with the way people feel or how they connect with other people.

Adverse Childhood Experiences are positively corelated with problematic substance use as is social dislocation either through criminalization, job loss or traumatic community events.

At Sandy Hill CHC, we consider harm reduction to be an integral part of our treatment of substance use disorder.

The treatment goals for any chronic condition are to improve daily function, mitigate risks, including hospitalizations, improve quality of life and increase capacity to live a self directed life. 

We work with people at all stages of substance use and substance use disorder to help them to achieve their goals and optimize their health.