Harm reduction refers to policies, programs, and practices aimed at minimizing negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies, and drug laws. Based on the public health model, harm reduction provides a range of health and social services and practices that apply to both illicit and licit drugs. Harm reduction emphasizes reducing harm related to drug and alcohol use and provides pragmatic interventions, psychosocial support, and information on safer drug use. For alcohol, the purposes of the harm reduction approach are to: 1) reduce harmful consequences associated with alcohol use, 2) provide an alternative to zero-tolerance approaches by incorporating drinking goals that are compatible with the needs of the individual, and 3) promote access to services by offering low-threshold alternatives to traditional forms of alcohol prevention and treatment. This review introduces the practices and effectiveness of harm reduction activities in various countries outside Japan.
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