Briefing: Drug smoking can lead to severe burns, complicating harm reduction efforts

The study, published on March 18, 2026, highlights a concerning statistic: opioid smokers are four times more likely to experience severe burns than their injecting counterparts.

This finding challenges the perception that smoking drugs is a safer alternative to injection, revealing hidden risks that may complicate existing harm reduction efforts.

As the landscape of drug use evolves, harm reduction strategies must adapt to incorporate these new insights, ensuring comprehensive safety measures for all users.