What are risk reduction groups and why they can help save lives

In a context where the use of substances —both legal and illegal—is increasingly widespread, especially among young people, there is a little-known but crucial approach to the phenomenon: risk reduction groups , which serve as a key tool for protecting health and promoting well-being. Through a pragmatic, non-judgmental, and mindful approach , these groups operate in recreational venues to offer information, practical tools, and listening spaces.

What are risk reduction groups?

Risk reduction groups are organizations, groups, or communities committed to reducing the harm associated with the use and abuse of drugs —both legal and illegal—by minimizing their negative impact on health and well-being and promoting awareness and information. "The primary goal is to protect the health and safety of people who use substances (legal and illegal) in a non-judgmental manner," explains Luca Davide, operator of Party con Noi , a project funded by the Lombardy Region aimed at promoting risk-reduction programs in youth gathering and entertainment venues. The starting point is "consumption in the here and now," and the goal is to raise awareness and provide practical tools that can reduce the harm associated with consumption: "The intervention aims to reduce the potential physical, psychological, and social damage associated with consumption."

The crux (and criticisms) of conscious and safe consumption

Unlike other intervention strategies, harm reduction does not focus on abstinence and eliminating drug use, but rather on informed and safe consumption , preserving the individual's autonomy and empowerment. Davide explains: "We start from where the person is, trying to build a relationship of trust and helping them focus on their needs and goals." This model is not without its critics, accused of promoting substance use, but it must be remembered that harm reduction is considered, along with prevention, treatment, and regulation, a cornerstone of European Union drug policies. What these groups offer is accurate information, self-protection tools, and spaces for listening.

The most common substance? Alcohol

The substance they deal with most often? Not hard drugs, but alcohol : "It's the most widespread and harmful alternative substance in Italy," the worker tells us. According to ISS data, alcohol consumption affects approximately 36 million Italians. Approximately 8 million people are at-risk consumers, and there are over 4 million binge drinkers (those who drink to get drunk) and approximately 780,000 harmful consumers requiring clinical treatment. "In our interventions, using tools like breathalyzers , we address the risks of alcohol-driving and alcohol-sexual intercourse, including through games and fun activities."

Party with Us

Party con Noi operates primarily in nightlife settings, such as festivals, raves, clubs, and discos. "We set up information points where we offer informational materials, devices for safer consumption (breathalyzers, condoms, earplugs, water, sniffing kits, etc.), and a listening space for anyone who wants to discuss issues related to substances, health, or well-being," Davide reports. "For those who need it, we also conduct individual meetings with young people who want to discuss their consumption with qualified professionals; we also occasionally provide training to other groups," adds the operator. In addition to substance abuse, the project also addresses sexually transmitted diseases, organizing meetings primarily in schools.

The work of harm reduction groups complements that of health services dealing with substance use : "Networking is essential," Davide explains. "No harm reduction project can exist alone: constant dialogue with emergency services, SERDs, emergency rooms, street units, and all other organizations is necessary, at least in contexts where common ground can be built." Furthermore, Party with Us communicates with local festivals and venues, which, thanks to the group's presence, bring a culture of conscious consumption and safe spaces into their settings. Party with Us is a project funded by the Lombardy Region as part of the PR+ 2021-2027 program and aimed at promoting risk-reduction strategies in youth gathering and entertainment venues. The project sees the municipality of San Fermo della Battaglia as the leader of a partnership network composed of ASST Lariana, the Social Cooperative Fight Against Marginalization ONLUS, CSV Insubria, the Il Gabbiano Community Association, and the Comuni Insieme Social Company.