Discuss The Links Between Harm Reduction And Risk Taking Behavior.

Traditions in society can be a useful tool to better shape to future. In this essay I will discuss the links between harm reduction and the increase of risk taking behavior. Harm reduction is defined as “policies, programs and practices that aim to reduce negative health, social and economic consequences that may ensue from the use of legal and illegal psychoactive drugs, without necessarily reducing drug use” (Stenekes, 2015). In this essay I will argue that harm reduction is a slippery slope that leads to the use of illicit substances and to the engagement in risky behavior. Harm reduction policies negatively impact individuals who struggle with three main areas: illegal substances, sex (both adolescent and the sex trade), and alcohol and
Harm reduction mentalities take the approach of reducing the risk associated with illegal substance use. This may include tactics like needle exchange programs and safe injection sites. Despite the fact that these tactics aim to reduce the risk of contracting diseases or overdosing, they still condone the use of illegal drugs. Legalizing some recreational drugs like marijuana also add to the slippery slope of harm reduction. By making certain drugs with less associated risk to them legal it can result in weakening policies against drugs like heroine or cocaine that are very dangerous. When injection sites enable drug users to inject illicit substances they are creating a subculture for violence and use. These sites also “simply add to the resources keeping people on drugs” (Youssef, 1996). Injection sites also draw addicts to specific locations; this can result in an increase in crime that is associated with drug use. The abundance of drug users in a concentrated area also has negative impacts on society, causing many people to be afraid to visit communities or areas of town where harm reduction exist. Harm reduction or minimization policies are not
If children and adolescents are educated about sex practices at too young of an age it can encourage them to partake in sexual activities prematurely. This can result in teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and negative mental health or low self-esteem. If students are educated about sex with abstinence based program it can reduce the amount of teen pregnancies that occur. For example, Project IMPPACT in New York City “focuses on the importance of abstaining from sexual intercourse” (Lieberman, Gray, Wier, Fiorention, & Maloney, 2000). This program discovered that “Lower rates of adolescent sexual activity are associated with having parents who demonstrate a combination of traditional attitudes toward sexual behavior and effective communication practices” (Lieberman et al, 2000). Harm reduction strategies are also dangerous for those who work in the sex trade. By regulating prostitution, younger people may be more likely to engage in the sex trade, making them more vulnerable. Making prostitution and soliciting in respect to the sex trade legal will also increase the number of people who engage in these acts creating a larger population of people at risk of being violated, injured and paid unfairly. By educating people, especially children that abstinence is the only 100% safe way to prevent teen pregnancy and sexually