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 lives are worth more than others. We believe that people do not lose their humanity, dignity or rights because of drug use. Harm reduction is not about enabling drug use, it is practical, non-judgmental and empowering. Our approach to harm reduction puts opinions aside and is informed by evidence.

How Cranstoun helps

Most people who use alcohol and other drugs do so without causing themselves or others harm. In fact, even those who do experience harm can cut down or stop using substances without seeking help from treatment services. However, there are a minority that do need some form of help, but this is no more than 10% across the world. 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 takes place in areas with high levels of poverty. Solving this would also solve much of the harm that substances can cause.

Watch our range of videos on Harm Reduction

Drug, set, setting

There is a complex relationship between a drug, the person who uses it and the environment. These 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 use may cause rather than stopping or even moderating the use of substances. At Cranstoun, we mean 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, 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 at all levels of government to introduce these sites which will save lives.

The real problem

Cranstoun know that much of the harm of drugs is caused precisely because they are illegal. The ‘War on Drugs’ is now over 50 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 well-paid drugs market from the hands of organised crime gangs for once and for all – we all deserve the better society that will bring.