Embracing a harm minimisation approach.
Elevating the voices of consumers to affect social change
Advocating for drug policy reform to keep people safe.
Alcohol and other drug use (AOD) is associated with a range of harms that can impact health, wellbeing and relationships. Current responses to AOD use tend to focus on punishment rather than wellbeing, perpetuate stigma and harmful stereotypes, and create barriers to people seeking support when they need it.
Uniting calls for:
- Drug policies that are evidence based, compassionate and treat all people with dignity and respect
- Invest in a robust, vibrant, and high-quality drug treatment system that is accessible and available to everyone, irrespective of their age or geography
- Remove criminal sanctions for personal use and possession of small quantities of drugs.
Why's this important?
Drug policy directly impacts the lives of people who use alcohol and other drugs. Victoria and Tasmania’s drug laws and policies remain fundamentally prohibitionist in nature, despite growing support for harm minimisation strategies in Australia and overseas.
Punitive approaches to drug use pushes more people into the justice system instead of connecting them with support. It deepens disadvantage and disproportionately impacts some people more than others, particularly for First Nations people and those already experiencing poverty, trauma, or homelessness.
Many of the harms associated with AOD use can be prevented by treating this as a health issue, not a criminal justice issue. Embracing a harm minimisation approach improves health outcomes, reduces risky behaviours, and connects people with treatment and support earlier.
Initiatives such as needle and syringe programs, supervised injecting rooms and pill testing are save lives by reducing the spread of disease, lowering the rates of overdose, and connecting people with the supports they need.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “harm minimisation” mean?
Harm minimisation is about reducing the harms associated with AOD use for individuals, families, and communities. It acknowledges that some people will use drugs regardless of laws or stigma.
The goal is to keep people safe and alive, reduce long-term harms, and connect people with support. This includes reducing overdose, relationship breakdowns, isolation, ongoing health issues, unemployment and involvement in the criminal justice system.
Does harm minimisation work?
In Australia, needle and syringe programs have significantly reduced rates of HIV and hepatitis C, and medically supervised injecting centres have reduced overdose deaths. Decriminalisation in countries like Portugal has led to lower rates of drug use, death, and incarceration.
Who’s most affected by current drug policies?
Everyone is impacted in some way, but groups that are being disproportionately impacted include First Nations communities, young people, people living with mental illness, and those experiencing poverty or homelessness.