“Harm reduction is based on the premise that people are responsible for their own behavior, that they make personal choices that affect their health and well-being, and that they can make better, safer decisions if you provide useful and honest information” (Mathre, 2002, p. 106). Harm reduction recognizes people's unhealthy choices while attempting to reduce the harmful effects that result from these unhealthy behaviors (Marlatt, 1998 cited in Brown, Luna, Ramirez, Vail, & Williams, 2005). Using a harm reduction approach has a positive effect on drug users, as it helps reduce the negative consequences of drug use. Although harm reduction aims to reduce harm resulting from illegal drug use, it is seen as “unethical and inconsistent with the ethical practices of healthcare professionals” (Lightfoot et al., 2009, p.17). This article will discuss the strengths and limitations of using harm reduction as an approach to reduce the negative effects of (illegal) substance abuse and the implications this has for nursing. Search Keywords and Databases The database used to collect the data in this paper was the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) database and the keywords used to help conduct this research were “strengths of harm reduction ”, “limitations of harm reduction”, “harm reduction in nursing”. , “using harm reduction as a nurse,” “implications of harm reduction,” and “harm reduction.” Strengths of Harm Reduction Harm reduction is a non-judgmental approach used to reduce harm resulting from illegal substance abuse, which detects unhealthy behaviors of individuals, but still treats them with respect and dignity... a middle of paper… Although a harm reduction approach is generally considered beneficial to drug users, it can sometimes be difficult for nurses to promote harm reduction because they may “encounter ethical concerns associated with illegal drug use; they may find themselves caught between evidence and ethics on the one hand and politics and law on the other” (Lightfoot et al., 2009, p. 20). Nurses may struggle to continue relationships and maintain care with clients due to personal beliefs and values ​​(Lightfoot et al., 2009). In reducing the harm that comes from unhealthy choices, such as illegal substance abuse, nurses must refrain from being judgmental and negative because, although it has its strengths and limitations, “the goal of nursing is to promote health and reduce the harm caused.” from accidents, illnesses or poor self-care” (Mathre, 2002, p. 106).