Your journey toward wellbeing is personal.
For some people, the journey may lead to abstinence or sobriety; for others it may not. No matter where you are on your path, there are ways of using substances that can be safer than others.
This is secondary prevention: an approach to substance use that prioritizes improving health and lessening the harms of drug use. Secondary prevention includes public health programs and tactics that are designed to prevent overdoses, limit the spread of infectious diseases, and support the physical and mental wellbeing of people who use drugs.
Actions you can take today
Learn more about secondary prevention
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Black Harm Reduction Network
This group is working to center racial equity in secondary prevention across drug policy, public health, and criminal justice.
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National Harm Reduction Coalition
This organization works to heal the harms caused by racialized drug policies. Explore the Harm Reduction Resource Center to learn more about safer drug use, overdose prevention, and related topics.
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Harm Reduction Works (HRW)
HRW is a free network of support groups that are open to anyone who is looking to reduce the harm of their substance use, or anyone who is supporting others using substances, including family and loved ones.
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SAMHSA’s Harm Reduction Framework
Explore secondary prevention principles, evidence-based best practices, the history of secondary prevention in the United States, and more.