What is ‘harm reduction’?

by Richard Jones, The Inquirer

Published Jul. 25, 2015, 9:49 p.m. ET

Starting with the premise that abstinence isn't always realistic, "harm reduction" strategies aim to reduce the toll of behavior-related diseases on the individual and society. Traditionally used for drug and alcohol abuse, the public-health concept has been applied in recent years to a range of other conditions — and enthusiastically co-opted, in some cases, by marketers.

PROHIBITION

During Prohibition, a Philadelphia official destroyed kegs of bootleg beer in a futile effort to stem illegal alcohol. Today, alcohol harm-reduction includes age limits, taxes, and laws against driving under the influence.

NEEDLE EXCHANGES

SNUS

'LOW-FAT…'

"Light" or "low-fat" versions of fatty foods like frozen yogurt have become ubiquitous. Critics say that harm-reduction has been co-opted by the food and beverage marketers.