Attitudes toward harm reduction among substance use treatment professionals in Philadelphia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Philadelphia has increasingly adopted Harm Reduction (HR) strategies which, despite reducing morbidity and mortality, remain controversial. This study examines attitudes toward HR among substance use treatment professionals. Methods 117 treatment professionals completed an anonymous online survey assessing their attitudes about four specific HR interventions: medication assisted treatment (MAT), naloxone, needle and syringe exchange programs (NSPs), and overdose prevention sites (OPSs). Results Findings indicate that treatment professionals generally had a positive perception of HR interventions as more than 90% agreed that MAT and naloxone should be discussed with clients and more than 80% agreed that NSPs and OPSs should be discussed. However, treatment professionals also endorsed concern about how certain interventions impact communities as only 28–30% indicated being comfortable if an NSP or OPS were to open on their block. Moreover, only 50% of respondents agreed that NSPs help users to seek treatment while 16% believed that OPSs would lead to increased substance use. Conclusions Of note, professionals with more experience and knowledge about HR tended to have more positive attitudes, whereas professionals who supported abstinence and 12-step programs had more negative views of HR. Implications for education to facilitate improved attitudes toward and implementation of HR interventions are discussed.