A Short Reply to the 'Epistemology of Harm Reduction'. (6th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paylor, Ian
• Is Part Of: British journal of social work. Volume 48:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 525
• Page End: 530
• Publication Date: 2017-06-06
• Subjects: Drug Use -- Harm Reduction -- Recovery; Social service -- Periodicals; Social workers -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcx048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-3102

Abstract

Abstract: This short reply focuses on the view that the dominant discourse surrounding drug use creates difficulties in offering harm reduction for those who are not currently in recovery. Recovery as the dominant political discourse provides structural barriers to harm-reduction intervention at the front line level, placing greater emphasis on getting individuals into recovery, whilst providing more services aimed specifically at reducing drug use. This short reply argues that what is required is a renewed strategy, dedicated to removing the barriers to well-being, lending equal attention to both recovery and harm reduction.