TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose Little is known about how harm reduction is practiced in Norwegian housing first (HF) projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore, describe, and interpret how providers apply a harm reduction approach within a housing project focused on individuals who are homeless with co-morbid substance use and mental health problems.Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study was part of a larger evaluation study of a three-year HF project in a Norwegian municipality. Data were collected using four multi-stage focus groups with five providers working in the HF project. Focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.Findings Analysis resulted in three main themes: “Letting the service user sit in the driver’s seat,” “We don’t follow service provision contracts, we do everything,” and “Collaborating with the local community.”Research limitations/implications There is a need to develop increased knowledge about service users’ experiences within the harm reduction approach.Practical implications To practice effective harm reduction, treatment providers must have open authorizations and the opportunity to exercise professional judgment. Harm reduction practice must also focus on social, political, and economic factors influencing users’ everyday lives.Originality/value The paper contributes to the knowledge base on harm reduction within HF practice that differs from a traditional model wherein clients are expected to abstain from substance use. It highlights important preconditions for challenges practitioners might encounter at both individual and service system levels.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
SN  - 1757-0972
DO  - 10.1108/ADD-08-2017-0015
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/ADD-08-2017-0015
AU  - Andvig Ellen Sofie
AU  - Sælør Knut Tore
AU  - Ogundipe Esther
PY  - 2018
Y1  - 2018/01/01
TI  - Harm reduction in a Norwegian housing first project: a qualitative study of the treatment providers’ practice
T2  - Advances in Dual Diagnosis
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 4
EP  - 15
Y2  - 2024/04/19
ER  -