What to Expect When Your Loved One Enters Harm Reduction Treatment

If your loved one has started treatment at a harm reduction clinic like Arrow Medical, you might be feeling hopeful — but also confused. Harm reduction might not match what you pictured when you imagined “treatment.” That’s okay. It works — and it saves lives.

1. What Is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction means:

  • Meeting people where they are at to achieve their own goals 
  • Offering care without requiring abstinence
  • Supporting any positive change
  • Keeping people alive, stable, and connected to health services

At Arrow Medical, that looks like:

  • Methadone, kadian, and Suboxone programs
  • Safe opioid supply (including Dilaudid)
  • Monthly Sublocade injections
  • Hepatitis C care
  • Access to mental health and wraparound supports

2. It’s Real, Evidence-Based Treatment

This isn’t “giving up.” It’s providing life-saving care while helping patients build trust and regain stability. Many people use harm reduction as a stepping stone to long-term recovery.

3. What Will Your Loved One Experience?

They’ll walk into a respectful, nonjudgmental clinic staffed by trained addiction medicine doctors. They may receive:

  • A same-day medical assessment
  • Medication (e.g., methadone, Suboxone)
  • Access to other health and social services

4. How Can You Help?

  • Ask how they’re doing — and listen without lecturing
  • Offer rides, support, or help remembering appointments
  • Celebrate small steps — because every step matters

At Arrow Medical, we believe harm reduction is recovery — because it puts people first. Our clinics across Toronto, Barrie, Bancroft, and Crystal Beach offer walk-in addiction care grounded in dignity, science, and support.

Stop by any location or call us today to get help for someone you love.