Literature for safer drug use : an evaluation of harm reduction material by recreational drug users

Abstract

Harm reduction (HR) interventions are rapidly becoming an alternative preventive intervention geared recreational drug users. Utilizing a sample of recreational users, this qualitative study explores the need for more information on illicit substances, the features (content and design) of selected HR material that make them attractive to young people and the positive changes HR literature has on attitudes and future anticipated behaviour amongst recreational substance users. The qualitative research tool used in this research was focus group interviewing. The research sample consisted of eighteen recreational substance users. Two focus groups were held with each group. This research found that information that is believable, congruent with youth culture and visually attractive facilitates change in perception and future anticipated behaviour amongst recreational substance users. The study concludes with recommendations for research, policy and service development.