I believe that the first thing to do is to assess and get an understanding of the needs of the person we have in front of us, and the motivations of their drug-related problems. I also believe that we need to provide to people who use drugs the minimum level of dignity before we can demand that they struggle for a change in their lifestyle.
Does this person have a house? Does this person have access to health care? In general, does this person have their basic needs fulfilled? Only then can we work on motivation to change. That's why I'm talking about a continuum, and the continuum from harm reduction policies that are not an incentive to continue using substances but a way to contribute to a better and longer life in any circumstance.