Harm reduction refers to a set of public policies that seek to reduce the risk of negative consequences that are associated with drug use rather than focusing on stopping the use of drugs altogether. Harm reduction strategies have been found to be much more effective in treating & supporting those with substance use disorder than punitive measures ever have been. Rather than punishing individuals who suffer from substance use disorder, these policies target the negative consequences that can result from drug use, such as deaths from overdose and the spread of infectious diseases.

Baltimore City’s harm reduction efforts include needle exchange locations, drug-assisted treatment, & naloxone (Narcan) distribution.

Needle exchange locations provide a safe way for those with substance use disorder to exchange used needles for clean, sterile ones. This prevents the sharing of needles, which can transmit infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C.

Drug-assisted treatment is one of the most effective forms of therapies for substance use disorder. There are clinics throughout Baltimore City that dispense Methadone to people suffering from opiod addiction. Methadone can be used to prevent cravings & withdrawal symptoms, which makes it easier & more likely for individuals to enter remission.

Drug assisted treatment is very effective because quitting “cold-turkey” simply does not work. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. When people quit using drugs altogether, they are more likely to relapse (use drugs again). However, their tolerance to the drug will go down so if they use the same amount as they did before quitting, it can lead to overdose & possible death.

This is a map of pharmacies which supply Naloxone and needle-exchange programs in Baltimore City. For more information on the needle exchange programs (including their hours) you can navigate to the Baltimore City Health Department’s website. These services are free and confidential. To see pharmacies, click the arrow in the top left.

In Baltimore City you can purchase Naloxone at any pharmacy without a prescription. If you have been trained, you can find the instructions to administer Naloxone online (Nasal or EVZIO).

The Baltimore City Health Department offers free overdose trainings, including Naloxone trainings. Over 40,000 Baltimoreans have been trained, resulting in nearly 3000 saved lives.

Additionally, you can find a map of pharmacies carrying Naloxone, information on trainings, and get Naloxone shipped straight to your home online. Most insurance covers Naloxone.

For information on what to do during an overdose, see our Who Should I Call? page.

Additional Resources and Partners:

• Next Distro provides information on getting Naloxone shipped to you, overdose response trainings, syringe service programs, and behavioral health programs.

• The BRIDGES Coalition is a coalition that promotes and advocates for justice, dignity, and the health of people who use drugs.

• The Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition advocates for harm reduction within Baltimore City and organizes community efforts, including Naloxone trainings.

• Staying Alive Don’t Die provides a host of information on harm reduction, substance use disorder, and trainings. They will ship you Naloxone.