Drugs & Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol have a steady presence in our society and culture. In addition to having wide-ranging effects on individual behavior, social interactions and our communities as a whole–the assumptions and perceptions that accompany different drugs vary widely as well.
How we understand the roles that drugs and alcohol play in our society, and their effects on individuals, influences how we manage their use and mitigate the damage that they can cause to our ability to function in the world, to our relationships, and to ourselves.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF HARM REDUCTION
Harm reduction is a guiding set of strategies that can be applied to drug and alcohol use. Central to the idea of harm reduction is that, for better or worse, drugs and alcohol play a role in our world, culture and society. Instead of ignoring drug use or attempting to keep people from using drugs and alcohol, harm reduction strategies are offered without judgement to reduce the negative consequences associated with drugs and alcohol.
Harm reduction strategies can include reducing use, managing use, substituting one drug for another, complete abstinence, and more.
PEOPLE FIRST
People who use drugs and alcohol are people first, and they deserve respect and dignity no matter what substances they use, how they use them, or for how long. We help people who use drugs to pick evidence-based strategies to reduce the harm that drugs and alcohol can cause.
Syringe Access & Safer Drug Use
We provide safer drug use supplies to people who inject or use other substances in order to prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases.
Drug & Alcohol Counseling
We provide non-judgmental, harm reduction-based drug and alcohol counseling and drop-in services for people interested in addressing their substance use. Treatment is a partnership, individually tailored to address each participant’s goals and needs wherever they are in their experience with alcohol and drugs.
Related Reading
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Groundbreaking new report highlights overdose prevention needs of Latino/x communities in San Francisco
A groundbreaking report, published in 2022, sheds light on some critical issues faced by Latino/x community members who use drugs in San Francisco.
Needs assessment report of Latino/x people who use drugs in San Francisco
In 2021/2022, San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the National Harm Reduction Coalition conducted a needs assessment to examine the conditions, challenges, and barriers impacting Latino/x people who use drugs.
What we’re sharing & learning at upcoming HIV & harm reduction conferences
Attending USCHA or the National Harm Reduction Conference? Find out what’s being shared, and what staff members are looking forward to.
San Francisco’s whole-city plan to address fatal overdose
SFAF stands committed to addressing the overdose crisis by expanding our life-saving harm reduction programs and services in collaboration with City partners.
Governor Newsom Has Blood on His Hands
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What does it mean to “graduate” from a substance use counseling program?
When abstinence isn't your eventual goal, what does success look like after you've been through a harm reduction counseling program? Dave shares his experience.