Non-judgmental and non-coercive strategies to help addicts lessen the detrimental effects of substance abuseThe use of a drug in a quantity that is harmful to the user mentally or physically. Death and serious harm are usually caused by regular abuse rather than the casual use of drugs. More. The approach is often based on circumscribed use rather than abstinenceThe act of not partaking in the substance or activity to which a member is addicted. The length of sobriety of addicts is determined following the period of abstinence. More. These measures can include using substances in a safe environment or needle exchange programs. with someone they trust, and needle exchange programs for people who inject drugs.