Reducing the harm

The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. However, we know there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.

Because nicotine is a highly addictive drug, it is strongly recommended you never start smoking. Parental smoking and peer pressure are common reasons why young people start smoking, but this is a habit that can kill.

The dangers of second-hand smoke are well known. Smoking not only harms your health, but can harm your family, friends, colleagues and people who share a room with you. If you must smoke, smoke outside. Don't smoke where other people congregate or walk past. Avoid setting a bad example by smoking around young people.