3.3.26 10am-12pm Incorporating Harm Reduction Principles into Substance Use Treatment (virtual)
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 10am-12pm
Training Overview:
This training will discuss the application of harm reduction in substance use treatment programs and settings. Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies that reduce negative consequences of drug use and improve the quality of the client’s life based on harm reduction principles. This approach can be challenging for providers trained in traditional substance use treatment methods but can provide additional tools to assist clients in moving towards their recovery goals. Participants will develop an understanding of the principles of harm reduction, participate in activities designed to assist them in exploring attitudes and beliefs about harm reduction, and develop practical skills and interventions that can be used in their work.
At the conclusion of this training, participants should be able to:
- Define three principles of harm reduction in relation to substance use treatment.
- Identify three key attributes that support applying harm reduction approaches and principles.
- Review challenges and barriers to treatment and recovery that people who use drugs face.
- Explore how harm reduction can protect and re-engage people who experience relapse during substance use treatment and their recovery journey.
- Discuss three strategies to engage participants in substance use treatment and optimize their recovery goals.
Continuing education units (CEUs) are available thanks to the Center for Learning and Innovation (CLI) for the following disciplines:
- Certified Addiction Professionals (CCAPP)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC)
- Registered Nurses (RN)
Equity Statement
The San Francisco Department of Public Health is committed to leading with race and prioritizing Intersectionality, including sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, nationality, language, and ability. SFDPH strives to move forward on the continuum of becoming an anti-racist institution through dismantling racism, building, building solidarity among racial groups, and working towards becoming a Trauma-Informed/Trauma Healing Organization in partnership with staff, clients, communities, and our contractors. When attending, SFDP trainings, events, and/or meetings, we uphold expectations and standards of rules of engagement for our employees and contractors. We expect that all participants operate in professional integrity and adhere to the DPH Employee Code of Conduct or their employee conduct. Participants will be accountable for upholding any group agreements provided by the trainer or host and uphold principles of transparency, confidentiality and respect. We support respectful participation across intersecting identities and experiences including race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, nationality, religion, language, physical and mental ability, and political ideology. While we strive to make an space of inclusivity, belonging, and hub for various perspective, we do not tolerate any inappropriate behavior or comments rooted in anti-blackness, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, sexism, or any comments or behavior that is discriminatory, disruptive, or divisive. If participants cannot abide by these expectations, they will be removed from the training or event and will not be allowed to attend any additional DPH trainings, event, and/or meetings. Trainers have been informed to notify DPH of any misconduct and a DPH representative will follow up with that employee’s supervisor or participant’s agency regarding the misconduct.
