Which of the following is not a clinical principle of harm reduction?

The principle that does not align with the core tenets of harm reduction is starting with intake procedures to gather client demographics. While gathering client information is an important aspect of any social work practice, it does not explicitly contribute to the harm reduction philosophy.

Harm reduction focuses primarily on minimizing the negative consequences associated with substance use rather than aiming for complete cessation. The key tenets include challenging stigmatization, as this empowers individuals in their recovery journey and promotes a more accepting environment. Additionally, harm reduction emphasizes practical strategies for reducing risks, such as promoting safer use practices, which directly support individuals in managing their substance use in a healthier manner.

In contrast, the intake process is a routine administrative procedure that primarily collects demographic information. Although it can serve as a foundation for building a client relationship and understanding their background, it is not itself a principle directly aimed at reducing harm related to substance use. Therefore, this option stands out as less relevant to the fundamental concepts of harm reduction.