The application of methods designed to reduce the risk of harm associated with certain behaviors without reduction in frequency of those behaviors. The risk-associated behaviors include ongoing and active addictive behaviors.

Organized services for exchange of sterile needles and syringes used for injections as a potential means of reducing the transmission of infectious diseases.

Abuse, overuse, or misuse of a substance by its injection into a vein.

Powdered or cut pieces of leaves of NICOTIANA TABACUM which are inhaled through the nose, chewed, or stored in cheek pouches. It includes any product of tobacco that is not smoked.

Medical treatment for opioid dependence using a substitute opiate such as METHADONE or BUPRENORPHINE.

A synthetic opioid that is used as the hydrochloride. It is an opioid analgesic that is primarily a mu-opioid agonist. It has actions and uses similar to those of MORPHINE. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1082-3)

A relational pattern in which a person attempts to derive a sense of purpose through relationships with others.

The informal or formal organization of a group of people based on a network of personal relationships which is influenced by the size and composition, etc., of the group.

Control of drug and narcotic use by international agreement, or by institutional systems for handling prescribed drugs. This includes regulations concerned with the manufacturing, dispensing, approval (DRUG APPROVAL), and marketing of drugs.

Drugs obtained and often manufactured illegally for the subjective effects they are said to produce. They are often distributed in urban areas, but are also available in suburban and rural areas, and tend to be grossly impure and may cause unexpected toxicity.

The aggregate business enterprise of agriculture, manufacture, and distribution related to tobacco and tobacco-derived products.

Usage of a single needle among two or more people for injecting drugs. Needle sharing is a high-risk behavior for contracting infectious disease.

Includes the spectrum of human immunodeficiency virus infections that range from asymptomatic seropositivity, thru AIDS-related complex (ARC), to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Organized efforts to insure obedience to the laws of a community.

People who take drugs for a non-therapeutic or non-medical effect. The drugs may be legal or illegal, but their use often results in adverse medical, legal, or social consequences for the users.

Undertaking a task involving a challenge for achievement or a desirable goal in which there is a lack of certainty or a fear of failure. It may also include the exhibiting of certain behaviors whose outcomes may present a risk to the individual or to those associated with him or her.

Instruments used for injecting or withdrawing fluids. (Stedman, 25th ed)

Disorders related to substance abuse.

Penal institutions, or places of confinement for war prisoners.

Organizations which provide an environment encouraging social interactions through group activities or individual relationships especially for the purpose of rehabilitating or supporting patients, individuals with common health problems, or the elderly. They include therapeutic social clubs.

Agents of the law charged with the responsibility of maintaining and enforcing law and order among the citizenry.

Persons who have no permanent residence. The concept excludes nomadic peoples.

People who engage in occupational sexual behavior in exchange for economic rewards or other extrinsic considerations.

Activity involved in transfer of goods from producer to consumer or in the exchange of services.

Discontinuation of the habit of smoking, the inhaling and exhaling of tobacco smoke.

Individuals connecting by family, work or other interests. It also includes connectivity facilitated by computer-based communications.

Disorders related or resulting from abuse or mis-use of opioids.

Decisions, usually developed by government policymakers, for determining present and future objectives pertaining to the health care system.

A course or method of action selected, usually by a government, from among alternatives to guide and determine present and future decisions.

Branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of disease and disability, and the promotion of physical and mental health of the population on the international, national, state, or municipal level.

The attitude of a significant portion of a population toward any given proposition, based upon a measurable amount of factual evidence, and involving some degree of reflection, analysis, and reasoning.

Reduction of high-risk choices and adoption of low-risk quantity and frequency alternatives.

Agents that induce NARCOSIS. Narcotics include agents that cause somnolence or induced sleep (STUPOR); natural or synthetic derivatives of OPIUM or MORPHINE or any substance that has such effects. They are potent inducers of ANALGESIA and OPIOID-RELATED DISORDERS.

Inhaling and exhaling the smoke of burning TOBACCO.

Behaviors associated with the ingesting of alcoholic beverages, including social drinking.

The practice of indulging in sexual relations for money.

Public attitudes toward health, disease, and the medical care system.