The introduction of the concept of Harm Reduction in the city of Cherkassy

The introduction of the concept of Harm Reduction into the practical work of the narcological survive confidence relations with injecting drug users were established, which resulted in the possibility to carry out information and educational, as well as preventive work. In addition, there occurred changes in public opinion with respect to the problems of drug addiction (a drug addict was now regarded as a sick person) and AIDS (HIV infection was considered to be a problem, topical for wide strata of the population). The creation of a dedicated team comprising medical personnel, psychologists, representatives of the clergy, volunteers from drug addicts contributed to successes in this work. The work on the correction of negative manifestations, carried out by the organs of law protection, also contributed to the creation of balance between the strategy of Harm Reduction and the strategy of the reduction of need in narcotic drugs.