Harm Reduction Social Work for People Experiencing Homelessness with Drug Problems and Mental Health Problems
Short description
People experiencing homelessness who have both drug problems and mental health problems are currently excluded from large parts of the Swedish welfare system, as the system is largely based on a zero-tolerance approach to drugs. International research provides strong support for harm reduction measures. Harm reduction refers to interventions that do not require complete abstinence from drugs but aim to reduce the harms associated with drug use.
This project examines how harm reduction interventions are designed and implemented in practice at a newly established residential facility in Gothenburg. The project can therefore contribute both to national and international research and to evidence-informed drug policy.
Project on Harm Reduction Interventions
This project focuses on people experiencing homelessness who have drug problems combined with mental health problems. They are currently excluded from large parts of the Swedish welfare system, which is largely based on a zero-tolerance approach to drugs. There is a substantial need for knowledge about how society can successfully support this group.
International research provides strong support for harm reduction measures, that is, interventions that do not require abstinence but aim to reduce the harms associated with drug use. Similar approaches have been discussed in Sweden but have been difficult to implement within the context of Sweden’s restrictive drug policy.
The project examines how harm reduction interventions are designed and implemented in everyday practice at a newly established residential facility in Gothenburg. We investigate how the interventions are experienced by those involved and what impact they have on residents’ lives over a period of one year.
In this way, the project makes a distinctive contribution to both research and evidence-informed drug policy. It also contributes to international research on how harm reduction strategies are applied in social work practice.
More Research on Social Work
Researchers at the Department of Social Work study social problems, their causes, and consequences for individuals, groups, and society.