Harm Reduction is a practical and theoretical paradigm which recognizes that abstinence, being the ideal goal, is frequently not possible for a group of drug users, who in a certain phase of their lives don’t want or cannot stop drug consumption.
Thus, a hierarchy of intermediary realistic goals is established , in terms of risks and potential damages associated to drug use, so that these correspond to higher levels of protection and less risks for individuals and even to public health. It is a pragmatic approach, without any type of moral judgement, centred in the individual.
This model can be defined as an activity centred in the local community, which goal is to get in touch with individuals or groups belonging to specific target populations which cannot be reached or contacted in an adequate way by the existing services or by the conventional health education channels.