Fundamentals of Harm Reduction

This course is an introduction to Harm Reduction, which is both a theoretical and practical approach to supporting people who choose higher risk behaviour. Students will receive a general overview of the principles of harm reduction, interpersonal approaches, and specific focus on harm reduction related to alcohol, cannabis and illicit substances. This course is intended to help students develop the knowledge to work in settings that implement principles of harm reduction, and to provide leadership skills in a support worker role.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand and describe basic principles of harm reduction 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between harm reduction and mental health 
• Understand and describe harm reduction approaches for alcohol use 
• Understand and describe harm reduction approaches for cannabis use 
• Understand and describe harm reduction approaches for illicit substances use 
• Understand and describe harm reduction approaches for higher risk sexual activity