Christianity Today Analysis: The Moral and Practical Limits of Harm Reduction in California

Recovery News | Mental Health & Addiction Recovery · Sep 17, 2026 · 2m

Across California's major metropolitan areas, public health strategies addressing severe drug addiction among unhoused populations have increasingly shifted toward harm reduction models. Proponents argue that supplying clean paraphernalia, naloxone, and low-barrier shelter saves lives by preventing overdose and disease transmission. However, according to an insightful commentary published by Christianity Today, faith-based leaders and recovery advocates warn that relying solely on harm reduction without emphasizing active recovery can unintentionally prolong addiction, entrench homelessness…