An Examination of Harm Reduction Behaviors and Perceived Parental Attitudes Toward Substance Use

Abstract

In this study I examined differences between mean number of harm reduction behaviors when comparing children raised in harm reduction, abstinence only, permissive, and mixed/unclear homes. There were 219 individuals aged 18 – 30 who completed a survey regarding their substance use in high school. Children raised in harm reduction homes endorsed more harm reduction behaviors than children raised in the other homes types, in regards to their substance use in high school. These findings suggest that children whose parents use a harm reduction approach might employ more safety measures if they do decide to use substances during high school.