What is Harm Reduction and Why Does it Matter During the Holidays?
The holiday season is a time of joy and connection, filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and social events. Yet for many, it can also be a challenging period marked by stress, anxiety, loneliness, and even depression. Sometimes, these emotions may contribute to the use of substances as a coping mechanism. With the abundance of alcohol at parties and the social pressure to indulge, the holidays become a time when substance use and its associated risks spike dramatically (Hampton, 2022). At Stigma Ends at CU, we believe in harm reduction strategies, which offer a compassionate and practical approach to navigating these challenges while prioritizing safety and well-being for all.
What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction is a research-supported strategy aimed at reducing the adverse effects of substance use while not necessitating total abstinence. It emphasizes engaging with individuals at their current stage, providing non-judgmental resources and methods to minimize harm and enhance well-being. Harm reduction enables individuals to adopt safer methods and utilize resources while promoting understanding and inclusiveness within the community. The structure honours individual freedom and acknowledges that only some are prepared or capable of completely ceasing substance use (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2014).
Harm reduction during the holidays
The festive season heightens the necessity for harm reduction. Research indicates that drinking alcohol increases by 27% during the holiday season, and overdose incidents rise by 22% compared to other periods throughout the year (Cooper, 2021; Hampton, 2022). Numerous people experience an increase in their alcohol consumption or engage with substances in manners that elevate risks, such as overdoses, impaired driving, and hazardous social situations.
Minimizing Overdose Hazards
A major concern during the holiday season is the increased likelihood of overdoses. The existence of fentanyl in the drug market remains a serious danger, since even tiny quantities can lead to deadly overdoses. Combining drugs with alcohol, which could occur during holiday celebrations, raises these dangers. Basic harm reduction approaches, like consuming substances with reliable companions, checking drugs for impurities, or having a naloxone kit on hand, can be lifesaving. In Canada, initiatives that provide naloxone kits have been successful in lowering opioid-related fatalities. Understanding how to identify and react to an overdose is an essential ability, especially during this critical season (Practice Safer Drug Use to Avoid Harm This Holiday Season, 2021).
Avoiding Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of substances is another significant issue during the holiday period, as traffic deaths linked to alcohol reach their highest point during this period (Stephenson, 2024). Thinking ahead is crucial to prevent avoidable disasters. Strategies include securing a designated driver, using rideshare services, or taking public transit when drinking alcohol or using other substances. These actions not only safeguard the individual but also guarantee the safety of all road users.
Encouraging Safer Social Settings
The wider advantages of harm reduction go beyond personal safety. Implementing measures such as having naloxone on hand, promoting safe transport, and creating non-judgmental environments can alleviate pressure on healthcare systems and avert preventable tragedies. Practicing harm reduction in social settings may also include hosts providing alcohol-free drinks and food to guests during gatherings, and ensuring everyone feels included and supported. Creating designated relaxation spaces and quiet areas can also enhance comfort and allow individuals to step away from overstimulating environments if needed. For individuals in recovery or seeking to regulate their consumption, harm reduction offers the tools and support to manage the holidays while safeguarding their health (Warde, 2023).
With the holiday season already started, it’s crucial to emphasize empathy, safety, and inclusiveness. Harm reduction is an essential strategy for promoting healthier people and communities, providing effective approaches for addressing substance use in these difficult times. By adopting harm reduction, we can help facilitate the holidays as a period of happiness and bonding for all, no matter their position concerning substance use. Further information on harm reduction strategies can be found on the Stigma Ends at CU Instagram or the Umbrella Project through the Carleton Wellness website.
Author: Ann Nguyen
References
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2014). Harm Reduction. Canadian Mental Health Association. https://ontario.cmha.ca/harm-reduction/
Cooper, S. (2021). Sunflower Recovery Center. Sunflowerrecovery.com. https://www.sunflowerrecovery.com/blog/drug-alcohol-treatment-during-the-holidays
Hampton, D. (2022, December 19). Why Does Drug And Alcohol Use Spike During the Holidays? Addiction Center. https://www.addictioncenter.com/community/drug-alcohol-use-spike-holidays/
Practice safer drug use to avoid harm this holiday season. (2021). Bccdc.ca. http://www.bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2021/safer-drug-use-holidays-2021
Stephenson, R. (2024, November 28). The Tragic Toll of Drinking and Driving During the Holidays. WWW City News; City News Group. https://www.citynewsgroup.com/articles/the-tragic-toll-of-drinking-and-driving-during-the-holidaysWarde, E. J. (2023, November 21). Harm Reduction During the Holidays: For Hosts and Guests. Workit Health. https://www.workithealth.com/blog/harm-reduction-hosting/
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