HRC Policy Advocacy & Community Health

Question 1

What is the evidence regarding criminalization of drug use as a public health strategy?

Accepted Answer

Research shows criminalization increases harms without reducing drug use, while decriminalization improves health outcomes

Answer

Extensive evidence shows that criminalizing drug use does not reduce prevalence but increases harms (incarceration, disease, overdose death), while decriminalization models (e.g., Portugal) improve health outcomes.

Question 2

What is Housing First and how does it relate to harm reduction?

Accepted Answer

Providing stable housing without requiring sobriety first, as a foundation for addressing other needs

Answer

Housing First provides immediate, unconditional access to permanent housing, recognizing that stable shelter is a prerequisite for effectively addressing substance use, mental health, and other needs.

Question 3

What is the impact of stigma on people who use drugs?

Accepted Answer

Stigma creates barriers to treatment, employment, housing, and healthcare, worsening health outcomes

Answer

Stigma against people who use drugs creates barriers to accessing healthcare, treatment, employment, and housing, and contributes to social isolation, which increases overdose risk and worsens overall health.

Question 4

What is supervised consumption and what does the evidence show?

Accepted Answer

Legally sanctioned facilities where people use pre-obtained drugs under medical supervision; evidence shows reduced overdose deaths

Answer

Supervised consumption sites provide hygienic environments where people use pre-obtained drugs under medical supervision. Research shows they reduce overdose deaths, infectious disease transmission, and public drug use.

Question 5

What are social determinants of health and how do they relate to substance use?

Accepted Answer

Conditions like poverty, housing instability, trauma, and discrimination that increase vulnerability to substance use disorders

Answer

Social determinants including poverty, homelessness, adverse childhood experiences, discrimination, and lack of opportunity create conditions that increase vulnerability to substance use and reduce access to help.

HRC - Harm Reduction Professional Certification Practice Test

HRC - Harm Reduction Professional Certification Practice Test

HRC Policy Advocacy & Community Health