Critical Analysis of Harm Minimisation Approaches in Australia
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This essay critically analyzes the harm minimisation approach in Australia, a key policy framework addressing drug-related issues. It delves into the three pillars of this approach: demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction. Demand reduction strategies, such as advertising and school education, aim to prevent drug uptake. Supply reduction focuses on controlling drug availability through measures like price increases, licensing, and law enforcement. Harm reduction strategies, including safe injection rooms and syringe exchange programs, seek to minimize the adverse effects of drug use. The essay explores the effectiveness and implementation of these strategies, emphasizing their impact on individuals, families, and the broader Australian community. It concludes by highlighting the importance of these comprehensive strategies in mitigating the negative consequences of drug use and supporting individuals struggling with addiction.
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Running head: HARM MINIMISATION
HARM MINIMISATION
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HARM MINIMISATION
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1HARM MINIMISATION
Introduction
Harm minimisation is defined as an international approach that is primarily used to
report alcohol and additional associated drug problems by reducing the dangerous or adverse
effects of the drug and alcohol consumption in an individual and the society. This approach
was initially launched under the National Campaign against Drug Abuse (NCADA) in 1985,
which is currently known as the National Drug Strategy (Department of Health, 2019). The
National Drug Strategy 2017ā2026, primarily focus to reduce the effect of AOD in the
community by using three different approaches of harm minimisation namely demand
reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction. Demand reduction is defined as the strategy
which aim to prevent the consumption of different harmful drugs by using media campaigns
or community development plans (Midford, Lester, Williams & White, 2018). Supply
reduction is defined as the strategy which aim to decrease the supply as well as invention of
different illicit drugs by using legislature and law implementation. Harm reduction is defined
as the strategy which focuses to decrease the adverse effects of drugs in both the community
and the individual by using peer education, needle syringe facilities and extensive
intervention. Hence, this essay critically analyse the three pillars of harm minimisation
approach on decreasing the drug-associated effects in Australia (Department of Health,
2019).
Three pillars of harm minimisation
Harm minimisation is the key federal and state governmental Australian policy after
the National Campaign against Drug Abuse, which was established in 1985. There are three
different approaches that is used as the pillars of harm minimisation approach, which focus
on decreasing the adverse effect of the drug and alcohol consumption in Australia particularly
within the community and the Australian families (Parliament of Australia, 2019). According
Introduction
Harm minimisation is defined as an international approach that is primarily used to
report alcohol and additional associated drug problems by reducing the dangerous or adverse
effects of the drug and alcohol consumption in an individual and the society. This approach
was initially launched under the National Campaign against Drug Abuse (NCADA) in 1985,
which is currently known as the National Drug Strategy (Department of Health, 2019). The
National Drug Strategy 2017ā2026, primarily focus to reduce the effect of AOD in the
community by using three different approaches of harm minimisation namely demand
reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction. Demand reduction is defined as the strategy
which aim to prevent the consumption of different harmful drugs by using media campaigns
or community development plans (Midford, Lester, Williams & White, 2018). Supply
reduction is defined as the strategy which aim to decrease the supply as well as invention of
different illicit drugs by using legislature and law implementation. Harm reduction is defined
as the strategy which focuses to decrease the adverse effects of drugs in both the community
and the individual by using peer education, needle syringe facilities and extensive
intervention. Hence, this essay critically analyse the three pillars of harm minimisation
approach on decreasing the drug-associated effects in Australia (Department of Health,
2019).
Three pillars of harm minimisation
Harm minimisation is the key federal and state governmental Australian policy after
the National Campaign against Drug Abuse, which was established in 1985. There are three
different approaches that is used as the pillars of harm minimisation approach, which focus
on decreasing the adverse effect of the drug and alcohol consumption in Australia particularly
within the community and the Australian families (Parliament of Australia, 2019). According
2HARM MINIMISATION
to the National Drug Strategy (2019), harm minimisation program will aim to prevent and
reduce the adverse effect that is caused due to drugs in individual, family or community. The
impact of the three pillars of harm minimisation program are explained as follows:
Demand Reduction- Tobacco, alcohol and other associated drugs consumption is considered
as the multi-determined performance which is influenced by various environmental,
psychosocial and biological factors. According to White (2019), demand reduction is the
strategy that focuses on preventing the uptake of drugs or also delays the commencement of
tobacco, alcohol and other associated drugs. This strategy therefore influences the above
mentioned factors that will eventually prevent, reduce or delay of drug, tobacco or alcohol
use. The strategies used under demand reduction approach are as follows:
1. Advertising- Advertising is most widely use method that will help the families and
community of Australia to gain relevant knowledge regarding the adverse effect of
drug, tobacco or alcohol use. According to Chikritzhs & Toumbourou, (2015)
advertisement will aim to increase the awareness of harm minimisation approach and
educate the people to gain knowledge and understanding of the adverse effect that
they have in the health and wellbeing of the people. There are different types of
advertising method which is used by the Australian government namely magazine,
newspaper, television, radio, online and directories advertisement
2. Education at school- Education is another strategy that is included in the harm
reduction approach, which offers an extensive education focusing on the adverse
effect of illicit drug consumption, alcohol or tobacco use. The primary focus of this
education at school strategy is to improve and create a healthy culture for the children
and motivate them to avoid practice of any harmful drugs or alcohol. The young
children under adolescence phase (10-19 years) are more vulnerable towards
to the National Drug Strategy (2019), harm minimisation program will aim to prevent and
reduce the adverse effect that is caused due to drugs in individual, family or community. The
impact of the three pillars of harm minimisation program are explained as follows:
Demand Reduction- Tobacco, alcohol and other associated drugs consumption is considered
as the multi-determined performance which is influenced by various environmental,
psychosocial and biological factors. According to White (2019), demand reduction is the
strategy that focuses on preventing the uptake of drugs or also delays the commencement of
tobacco, alcohol and other associated drugs. This strategy therefore influences the above
mentioned factors that will eventually prevent, reduce or delay of drug, tobacco or alcohol
use. The strategies used under demand reduction approach are as follows:
1. Advertising- Advertising is most widely use method that will help the families and
community of Australia to gain relevant knowledge regarding the adverse effect of
drug, tobacco or alcohol use. According to Chikritzhs & Toumbourou, (2015)
advertisement will aim to increase the awareness of harm minimisation approach and
educate the people to gain knowledge and understanding of the adverse effect that
they have in the health and wellbeing of the people. There are different types of
advertising method which is used by the Australian government namely magazine,
newspaper, television, radio, online and directories advertisement
2. Education at school- Education is another strategy that is included in the harm
reduction approach, which offers an extensive education focusing on the adverse
effect of illicit drug consumption, alcohol or tobacco use. The primary focus of this
education at school strategy is to improve and create a healthy culture for the children
and motivate them to avoid practice of any harmful drugs or alcohol. The young
children under adolescence phase (10-19 years) are more vulnerable towards
3HARM MINIMISATION
consumption of drugs or alcohol and hence, this strategy will help them regarding the
harm minimisation approach.
3. Medication replacing therapy- Medication replacing therapy is the most widely
used therapy that will help the addicted individuals to reduce the consumption of
drugs, tobacco or alcohol and also reduce the adverse effect of the illicit drug
consumption. For example, opioid replacement therapy is adopted in Australia that
use products like methadone to decrease the addiction of opioid demand in an
individualsā body and further assisting them to lead a normal life without any
addiction (Nathan, Bethmont, Rawstorne, Ferry & Hayen, 2016)
According to The National Drug Strategy (2019), the above mentioned strategies are
widely used in Australia and in the community such as Switzerland, which will help the
individuals and the community members to decrease the adverse influence of illicit drug use,
alcohol or tobacco consumption.
Supply Reduction- Supply reduction is considered as the strategy that focus on stopping,
disrupting, reducing or preventing the supply and production of illicit drugs. According to
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019), supply reduction strategy will assist the
Australian government to control, manage or regulate the accessibility of different drugs.
There are various methods which is included under the supply reduction strategy are as
follows:
1. Increase Price- The Australian government should focus on increasing the price of
the illicit drugs, alcohol or tobacco that will eventually reduce the supply rate of the
drugs within the community and general population (Toumbourou et al., 2018).
2. Licensing- The peddlers who are selling these illegal drugs or alcohol must be
arrested or strict actions should be taken against them so that the supply of such illicit
consumption of drugs or alcohol and hence, this strategy will help them regarding the
harm minimisation approach.
3. Medication replacing therapy- Medication replacing therapy is the most widely
used therapy that will help the addicted individuals to reduce the consumption of
drugs, tobacco or alcohol and also reduce the adverse effect of the illicit drug
consumption. For example, opioid replacement therapy is adopted in Australia that
use products like methadone to decrease the addiction of opioid demand in an
individualsā body and further assisting them to lead a normal life without any
addiction (Nathan, Bethmont, Rawstorne, Ferry & Hayen, 2016)
According to The National Drug Strategy (2019), the above mentioned strategies are
widely used in Australia and in the community such as Switzerland, which will help the
individuals and the community members to decrease the adverse influence of illicit drug use,
alcohol or tobacco consumption.
Supply Reduction- Supply reduction is considered as the strategy that focus on stopping,
disrupting, reducing or preventing the supply and production of illicit drugs. According to
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019), supply reduction strategy will assist the
Australian government to control, manage or regulate the accessibility of different drugs.
There are various methods which is included under the supply reduction strategy are as
follows:
1. Increase Price- The Australian government should focus on increasing the price of
the illicit drugs, alcohol or tobacco that will eventually reduce the supply rate of the
drugs within the community and general population (Toumbourou et al., 2018).
2. Licensing- The peddlers who are selling these illegal drugs or alcohol must be
arrested or strict actions should be taken against them so that the supply of such illicit
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4HARM MINIMISATION
drugs (ice) will reduce that will eventually reduce the rate of adverse effect of the
drugs. The Australian government must provide license to the sellers who can supply
alcohols or tobacco legally but cannot supply drugs within the community and also
restricts the local outlets.
3. Law enforcement- The Australian government under the national drug strategy must
enforce different laws that will aim to governor and manage the adverse effect of the
drugs. According to Kaewpramkusol et al. (2018), the government should appoint
patrol community who will randomly patrol different areas where the risk of large
supply of drugs might take place. Penalty charges must also be imposed on the
individual who is identified either selling or buying illegal drugs, which will
eventually reduce the supply of illicit drugs or alcohol in Australia.
4. Age restriction- Age restriction can also be implemented by the Australian
government that will restricts the young adults particularly under 18 to get involved in
the consumption of illicit drugs and alcohol and also gain relevant knowledge
regarding the adverse effect of the drugs. Age restriction will aim to decrease the high
rate of illegal drug supply among the young population of Australia and reduce the
mortality rate of young adults due to consumption of illicit drugs.
Harm Reduction- Harm reduction emphasis on decreasing the adverse social, economic and
health effect of consuming drugs, alcohol or tobacco among the individuals and the
communities. Other than Australia there are other countries also that adapt the harm
minimisations approach to reduce the adverse effect of illicit drug such as china or other
European countries. According to Kamarulzaman, & McBrayer, (2015), the government of
east and south-east Asia have established drug detention centres with the concept of harm
reduction approach that will limit the intake of illicit drug among the general population. The
Malaysian government have also implemented the national strategy for prevention and
drugs (ice) will reduce that will eventually reduce the rate of adverse effect of the
drugs. The Australian government must provide license to the sellers who can supply
alcohols or tobacco legally but cannot supply drugs within the community and also
restricts the local outlets.
3. Law enforcement- The Australian government under the national drug strategy must
enforce different laws that will aim to governor and manage the adverse effect of the
drugs. According to Kaewpramkusol et al. (2018), the government should appoint
patrol community who will randomly patrol different areas where the risk of large
supply of drugs might take place. Penalty charges must also be imposed on the
individual who is identified either selling or buying illegal drugs, which will
eventually reduce the supply of illicit drugs or alcohol in Australia.
4. Age restriction- Age restriction can also be implemented by the Australian
government that will restricts the young adults particularly under 18 to get involved in
the consumption of illicit drugs and alcohol and also gain relevant knowledge
regarding the adverse effect of the drugs. Age restriction will aim to decrease the high
rate of illegal drug supply among the young population of Australia and reduce the
mortality rate of young adults due to consumption of illicit drugs.
Harm Reduction- Harm reduction emphasis on decreasing the adverse social, economic and
health effect of consuming drugs, alcohol or tobacco among the individuals and the
communities. Other than Australia there are other countries also that adapt the harm
minimisations approach to reduce the adverse effect of illicit drug such as china or other
European countries. According to Kamarulzaman, & McBrayer, (2015), the government of
east and south-east Asia have established drug detention centres with the concept of harm
reduction approach that will limit the intake of illicit drug among the general population. The
Malaysian government have also implemented the national strategy for prevention and
5HARM MINIMISATION
control of illicit drug using the harm minimisation approach and incorporating syringe
exchange program. Hence, this will reduce the adverse effect of illicit within the community
(Wilson et al., 2015). According to Stancliff et al. (2015), there are two primary strategy that
is considered under harm reduction approach, which are as follows:
1. Safe injection Room- The Department of Health and Human Services had
recommended to establish a medically supervised injecting room (MSIR) that will
primarily focus on harm reduction. MSIR will aim to decrease the overdose and
mortality rate among the local community by decreasing the prevalence rate of
general public injecting and decreasing the discarded syringes and needles within the
neighbouring public community. According to The Victoria State Government
(2019), the primary advantage of this safe injection rooms is that it will reduce the
practice of discarded syringes among the community and also minimize the risk or
treat of infection.
2. Syringe exchange programme- This program is also widely sued by to reduce the
quantity of discarded syringes and needle within the community and reduce the
enhance risk of infection. Syringe exchange harm reduction program is also
established that will provide the users with safe and clean needles and aim to reduce
the harm or risk of infection.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that harm minimisation method is the recent drug-associated
policy within Australia that is governing the drug-associated responses and laws that includes
the strategies (programs and policies) to decrease the adverse effect rather than reducing the
drug use. This essay included three pillar of harm minimisation approach namely supply
reduction, harm reduction and demand reduction. Each strategy focuses to decrease the
control of illicit drug using the harm minimisation approach and incorporating syringe
exchange program. Hence, this will reduce the adverse effect of illicit within the community
(Wilson et al., 2015). According to Stancliff et al. (2015), there are two primary strategy that
is considered under harm reduction approach, which are as follows:
1. Safe injection Room- The Department of Health and Human Services had
recommended to establish a medically supervised injecting room (MSIR) that will
primarily focus on harm reduction. MSIR will aim to decrease the overdose and
mortality rate among the local community by decreasing the prevalence rate of
general public injecting and decreasing the discarded syringes and needles within the
neighbouring public community. According to The Victoria State Government
(2019), the primary advantage of this safe injection rooms is that it will reduce the
practice of discarded syringes among the community and also minimize the risk or
treat of infection.
2. Syringe exchange programme- This program is also widely sued by to reduce the
quantity of discarded syringes and needle within the community and reduce the
enhance risk of infection. Syringe exchange harm reduction program is also
established that will provide the users with safe and clean needles and aim to reduce
the harm or risk of infection.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that harm minimisation method is the recent drug-associated
policy within Australia that is governing the drug-associated responses and laws that includes
the strategies (programs and policies) to decrease the adverse effect rather than reducing the
drug use. This essay included three pillar of harm minimisation approach namely supply
reduction, harm reduction and demand reduction. Each strategy focuses to decrease the
6HARM MINIMISATION
exploitation of drugs, alcohol and tobacco within the Australian community and aims to
support Australian families and different individuals to improve from their dependence from
drugs, alcohol and or tobacco.
exploitation of drugs, alcohol and tobacco within the Australian community and aims to
support Australian families and different individuals to improve from their dependence from
drugs, alcohol and or tobacco.
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7HARM MINIMISATION
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2019). Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in
Australia, Supply reduction - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Retrieved 13
September 2019, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/phe/221/alcohol-tobacco-
other-drugs-australia/contents/harm-minimisation/supply-reduction
Chikritzhs, T., & Toumbourou, J. (2015). Interventions for reducing alcohol supply, alcohol
demand and alcohol-related harm: Final Report. Canberra: National Drug Law
Enforcement Research Fund. http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/23617/1/NDLERF
%20Interventions%20for%20reducing%20alcohol%20supply,%20alcohol
%20demand%20and%20alcohol-related%20harm.pdf
Department of Health. (2019). Department of Health | 2.1 Harm minimisation. Retrieved 13
September 2019, from
https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-
pubs-front9-wk-toc~drugtreat-pubs-front9-wk-secb~drugtreat-pubs-front9-wk-secb-
2~drugtreat-pubs-front9-wk-secb-2-1
Kaewpramkusol, R., Senior, K., Chenhall, R., Nanthamongkolchai, S., & Chaiyasong, S.
(2018). A qualitative exploration of Thai alcohol policy in regulating availability and
access. International Journal of Drug Policy, 58, 1-8.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2016.10.011
Kamarulzaman, A., & McBrayer, J. L. (2015). Compulsory drug detention centers in East and
Southeast Asia. International Journal of Drug Policy, 26, S33-S37.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.11.011
Midford, R., Lester, L., Williams, T., & White, V. (2018). The relationship between
Australian harm minimisation alcohol education and student uptake, consumption and
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2019). Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in
Australia, Supply reduction - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Retrieved 13
September 2019, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/phe/221/alcohol-tobacco-
other-drugs-australia/contents/harm-minimisation/supply-reduction
Chikritzhs, T., & Toumbourou, J. (2015). Interventions for reducing alcohol supply, alcohol
demand and alcohol-related harm: Final Report. Canberra: National Drug Law
Enforcement Research Fund. http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/23617/1/NDLERF
%20Interventions%20for%20reducing%20alcohol%20supply,%20alcohol
%20demand%20and%20alcohol-related%20harm.pdf
Department of Health. (2019). Department of Health | 2.1 Harm minimisation. Retrieved 13
September 2019, from
https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-
pubs-front9-wk-toc~drugtreat-pubs-front9-wk-secb~drugtreat-pubs-front9-wk-secb-
2~drugtreat-pubs-front9-wk-secb-2-1
Kaewpramkusol, R., Senior, K., Chenhall, R., Nanthamongkolchai, S., & Chaiyasong, S.
(2018). A qualitative exploration of Thai alcohol policy in regulating availability and
access. International Journal of Drug Policy, 58, 1-8.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2016.10.011
Kamarulzaman, A., & McBrayer, J. L. (2015). Compulsory drug detention centers in East and
Southeast Asia. International Journal of Drug Policy, 26, S33-S37.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.11.011
Midford, R., Lester, L., Williams, T., & White, V. (2018). The relationship between
Australian harm minimisation alcohol education and student uptake, consumption and
8HARM MINIMISATION
harm. International Journal of Drug Policy, 52, 25-31.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.11.023
Nathan, S., Bethmont, A., Rawstorne, P. R., Ferry, M., & Hayen, A. (2016). Trends in drug
use among adolescents admitted to residential treatment in Australia. The Medical
Journal of Australia, 204(4), 149-150.
National Drug Strategy. (2019). Retrieved 13 September 2019, from
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/national-drug-strategy-2017-2026_1.pdf
Parliament of Australia. (2019). Chapter 4 ā Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 13 September
2019, from
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Law_Enforcement
/Crystalmethamphetamine45/Final%20Report/c04
Stancliff, S., Phillips, B. W., Maghsoudi, N., & Joseph, H. (2015). Harm reduction: front line
public health. Journal of addictive diseases, 34(2-3), 206-219.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2015.1059651
Toumbourou, J. W., Rowland, B., GhayourāMinaie, M., Sherker, S., Patton, G. C., &
Williams, J. W. (2018). Student survey trends in reported alcohol use and influencing
factors in Australia. Drug and alcohol review, 37, S58-S66.
https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.12645
Vcitoria State Government. (2019). Victoria's medically supervised injecting room. Retrieved
13 September 2019, from https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/alcohol-and-drugs/aod-
treatment-services/injecting-room
harm. International Journal of Drug Policy, 52, 25-31.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.11.023
Nathan, S., Bethmont, A., Rawstorne, P. R., Ferry, M., & Hayen, A. (2016). Trends in drug
use among adolescents admitted to residential treatment in Australia. The Medical
Journal of Australia, 204(4), 149-150.
National Drug Strategy. (2019). Retrieved 13 September 2019, from
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/national-drug-strategy-2017-2026_1.pdf
Parliament of Australia. (2019). Chapter 4 ā Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 13 September
2019, from
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Law_Enforcement
/Crystalmethamphetamine45/Final%20Report/c04
Stancliff, S., Phillips, B. W., Maghsoudi, N., & Joseph, H. (2015). Harm reduction: front line
public health. Journal of addictive diseases, 34(2-3), 206-219.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10550887.2015.1059651
Toumbourou, J. W., Rowland, B., GhayourāMinaie, M., Sherker, S., Patton, G. C., &
Williams, J. W. (2018). Student survey trends in reported alcohol use and influencing
factors in Australia. Drug and alcohol review, 37, S58-S66.
https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.12645
Vcitoria State Government. (2019). Victoria's medically supervised injecting room. Retrieved
13 September 2019, from https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/alcohol-and-drugs/aod-
treatment-services/injecting-room
9HARM MINIMISATION
White, V. (2019). Australia needs a new strategy to deal with illicit drug use | The Strategist.
Retrieved 13 September 2019, from https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australia-needs-
a-new-strategy-to-deal-with-illicit-drug-use/
Wilson, D. P., Donald, B., Shattock, A. J., Wilson, D., & Fraser-Hurt, N. (2015). The cost-
effectiveness of harm reduction. International Journal of Drug Policy, 26, S5-S11.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.11.007
White, V. (2019). Australia needs a new strategy to deal with illicit drug use | The Strategist.
Retrieved 13 September 2019, from https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australia-needs-
a-new-strategy-to-deal-with-illicit-drug-use/
Wilson, D. P., Donald, B., Shattock, A. J., Wilson, D., & Fraser-Hurt, N. (2015). The cost-
effectiveness of harm reduction. International Journal of Drug Policy, 26, S5-S11.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.11.007
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