Conversations about safer drug use, take-home naloxone programs, and referral to other harm reduction services should be routinely offered as part of standard care for individuals with opioid use disorder.
Quality of Evidence: Moderate
Strength of Recommendation: STRONG
Remarks:
A growing body of research has shown that harm reduction services such as the distribution of sterile injection equipment, take-home naloxone, and supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites facilitate safer drug use practices and significantly reduce the risk of drug toxicity deaths and transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C.
Drug checking services have also demonstrated their utility in monitoring the composition of unregulated drugs. While evidence on the impact of drug checking on substance use behaviour is limited, this service can help clients make informed decisions regarding the safety of the unregulated substances they plan to use.
Clinicians should routinely include information and education about harm reduction resources and safer injection practices when appropriate in discussions with patients and families.
In order to provide informed referrals, clinicians should also be aware of harm reduction programs available in their local area and services provided.
