CE / Trainer course
Guide to Harm Reduction
Course Overview
The purpose of this harm reduction training course is to convey a working understanding of harm reduction as it is applied to substance use disorder.
Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies from safer use, to managed use, to abstinence to meet drug users “where they’re at” and addressing conditions of use along with the use itself.
The course is available as a self-paced online continuing education course, as a trainer program for in-person and virtual settings, or delivered by Overdose Lifeline as live online and on-site training for groups of five or more.
In this training course you will learn the benefits of harm reduction and how harm reduction strategies can be applied to reduce harm and further complications from drug use and reduce the harm and risks to the community. The course will dispel some common myths of harm reduction and illustrate where it fits within the continuum of substance use (SUD) treatment and recovery. Participants will gain and understanding of harm reduction principles and services and be able to define what it means to “practice” harm reduction.
What You Will Learn
- Define harm reduction as it is used in engaging people who use drugs into services and support.
- List a minimum of four benefits of harm reduction for the individual and/or community.
- Discuss the history of harm reduction and where it fits today in the continuum of SUD treatment and recovery.
- Identify the principles and philosophy of harm reduction and examples of harm reduction tools and services.
- Recognize an effective harm reduction practice in contrast to a practice which does not apply harm reduction principles to the services / tools.
Course Outline
Harm Reduction Terminology, Definition and Philosophy
a. Terminology
b. What is Harm
c. Definition and Philosophy
d. Harm Reduction Versus Harm Elimination
e. Community and Benefits of Harm Reduction
f. Who are Harm Reductionists and What they Do?History of Harm Reduction and the Criminalization of Drugs
a. History
b. Criminalization of Drugs
c. Connection to Structural Inequalities and RacismFoundations in Harm Reduction Approaches
a. Evidence-based and Evidence Informed Approaches
b. Harm Reduction Strategies
c. Continuum of Substance Use
d. Substance Use Management (SUM)
e. Stages of Change Model and Harm Reduction
f. Assessing Areas for Improvement: Drug, Set, and Setting
g. Ideal Model for Harm ReductionPracticing Harm Reduction
a. Introduction to: Principles + Tools = Practicing
b. Harm Reduction Principles
c. Harm Reduction Services and ToolsHarm Reduction Myths
Examples of Harm Reduction in Action
Next Steps and Resources
Online CE Course
Online, self-paced continuing education.
3.0 CE Credits
Clinician and layperson accreditation through Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Office of Continuing Education.
Fees
Individual Course: $45
Prerequisites
None
Trainer Program
Get Certified. Train Others.
Our programs are built on evidence, rooted in compassion, and designed to make staff and community education easier, more effective, and more engaging for diverse audiences.
Turnkey Program. Trainer Online Resource Center includes customizable presentation slides with trainer notes and script, versions for different session lengths, and all supporting materials—surveys, handouts, activities, poll questions, certificates, flyers, and more.
Training and Annual Licensing Fee: $395
- Group Licensing Available.
- Optional Printed Trainers Kit additional $65/person
Program Discounts
- 15% discount for 6+ trainers
- 15% discount for multi-program purchases
Virtual Group Training
We bring the training to you—virtually. Group sessions are available for five or more participants and can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization.
Depending on your goals, sessions can incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, breakout discussions, and other tools to deepen learning, boost engagement, and capture outcomes.
Contact us to learn more or request a tailored quote.
