Risk Reduction
Rainbow Health uses a risk reduction approach to working with our clients. Working through a lens of risk reduction means that we affirm individuals who may want our services but are not interested in an abstinence-only model
What is Risk Reduction?
Risk reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas that are aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use and higher-risk sexual behavior.
Risk reduction is also a social justice movement that respects the rights of people who use drugs and engage in higher-risk sexual behavior.
Principles of Risk Reduction
- Accept that drug use and sexual activity are parts of our world.
- Minimize the potentially harmful effects of drug use and sexual activity rather than ignore or condemn them.
- Understand that drug use and sexual behaviors are complex and that some ways of using drugs and having sex are safer than others.
- Recognize that abstinence-based programs don’t work for everyone. Meet clients where they are at and let them set their own goals.
- Offer services and resources in a non-judgmental way to people who use drugs and engage in higher-risk sexual behavior.
- Empower and affirm the person who is seeking support. Treat them as a person who happens to use drugs and/or engage in higher-risk sexual behavior. These behaviors are not their whole identity.
- Recognize the impacts of poverty, class, racism, social isolation, past trauma, sex-based discrimination, and other social inequalities. These factors can make people vulnerable to drug/sex-related harm and also affect their strategies to deal with harm. Everyone’s story is different.
- Don’t attempt to minimize or ignore the real and tragic harm and danger associated with lawful and unlawful drug use and/or higher-risk sexual activity. Tell them you care and want to see them safe and happy.
For more information about our syringe service program (SSP) visit our Mainline Syringe Service Program page.
For information about Behavioral Health or Substance Use Assessments please visit the Rainbow Health Therapy and Counseling page.