Why Cranstoun helps

Harm reduction is much more than a set of services. At Cranstoun, we believe that harm reduction is about social justice and fighting the idea that some are worth more than others. We believe that people do not forfeit their humanity, dignity or rights because of drug use. Harm reduction is not about enabling drug use, it is pragmatic, non-judgmental and empowering. Our approach to harm reduction puts opinions aside and is evidence-informed.

How Cranstoun helps

Most people who use illicit drugs and other psychoactive substance do so without causing themselves or others harm. In fact even those who do experience harm can moderate or stop using substances without seeking help from treatment services. However, there are a minority that do need some form of help, but no more than 10% worldwide though. Bruce Alexander’s famous ‘Rat Park’ experiment in the 1970’s suggests that problem substance use is largely a result of a poor environment which may explain the reason for so much drug-related harm being concentrated in areas of socio-economic deprivation. If we could solve poverty we would also solve much of the harm that substances can cause.

Drug, set, setting

There is a complex interplay between a drug, the person who uses it and the environment. These combined, determine the overall effect of the drug including the consequences. Using a more harmful drug such as crack by injecting while alone and with poor physical and mental health will be more harmful than eating cannabis edibles with friends in a pleasant, relaxed environment.

Harm reduction

Harm reduction means to reduce the harmful effects that substance may cause rather than stop or even moderate the use of substances. Cranstoun means business when we talk about it. We are committed to reducing the harms associated with substance use in every way we can imagine. From our naloxone supply, to our Buddy Up app, Opioid Substitution Treatment, DIVERT and injecting equipment provision we are in the business of improving lives.

Overdose

We fully support the development of Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) in every location they are needed across the world. We are lobbying and influencing hard on this subject, none more so than our own Peter Krykant who set up and ran the UK’s first OPS in Glasgow in 2021. Many lives were saved by this service, and many more improved.

The real problem

Cranstoun know that much of the harm of illicit drugs is caused precisely because they are illicit. The ‘War on Drugs’ is now 51 years old and has done much to make drugs more harmful and more available, not less. Therefore diversion from the criminal justice system for drug offences is a welcome first step in reducing these harms but is not enough on its own. We’re outright calling for the abolition of the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) replaced with a legally regulated and safe supply of all drugs. Let’s remove the lucrative drugs market from the hands of organised crime gangs for once and for all – we all deserve the better society that will bring.