Examining how legal systems affect harm reduction services for drug users.

Assessing the Reach, Effectiveness, and Implementation of Multiple Harm Reduction Interventions.

NIH-funded research Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11090103

This study looks at how the legal system affects people who use drugs and their access to important services that help prevent overdoses, aiming to find out if actions like drug seizures make it harder for them to get the help they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Triangle Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11090103 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the criminal legal system impacts the use of harm reduction services and overdose rates among individuals who use drugs. It focuses on the barriers created by law enforcement actions, such as drug seizures, which may deter people from accessing these vital services. By analyzing survey data from over 1,200 participants in San Francisco, the study aims to understand both direct and indirect effects of legal interventions on overdose mortality. The findings could inform better policies and practices to support harm reduction efforts.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use drugs and are affected by the criminal legal system.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use drugs or are not impacted by legal interventions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved harm reduction strategies that save lives and reduce overdose deaths among drug users.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that legal interventions can significantly impact drug use behaviors and overdose rates, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.

Where this research is happening

Research Triangle Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.