What is harm reduction? A guide for teens and young adults

Harm reduction is simple at its core: It’s about staying safer in situations where risk exists. 

We all take risks every day - whether driving, playing sports, or even scrolling on social media. Harm reduction is finding ways to make these risks less dangerous. Examples could be: 

• Wearing a seatbelt while driving.

• Using sunscreen at the beach

• Drinking water at a party if you've been drinking alcohol. 

When it comes to substances, harm reduction acknowledges that some young people will experiment, and instead of pretending it doesn’t happen, it provides them with tools to make smarter, safer choices. 

Why it matters: 

• It saves lives. 

• It builds trust - between you and friends, parents, or mentors. 

• It empowers you to make choices, not just follow rules. 

Harm reduction is about meeting reality with safety. Even if you never use substances, harm reduction can help you stay safe, support your friends, and avoid unnecessary risks.