August 7, 2016

Key Definitions

illicit drug use
is use contrary to the UN Conventions;

harmful drug use
is drug use which causes harm to individuals, families, communities or the environment;

illicit/harmful drug use
is drug use where action is necessary, including but not limited to prevention or intervention in the fields of criminal justice, education, health care, social support, treatment or rehabilitation

affected populations
are individuals, including drug users, families and communities impacted by drug use and drug policies

includes those efforts aimed at alcohol abuse and tobacco use and is an important and complementary effort to reduce illicit/harmful drug use

harm reduction
means efforts primarily to address and prevent the adverse health and social consequences of illicit/harmful drug use, including reducing HIV and other blood borne infections