“The Forgotten Substance”—Harm Reduction Vaping Groups in Portugal

Harm reductionist Adriana Curado initiated vaping groups in Lisbon to assist marginalized individuals with smoking. Participants received support and products to reduce tobacco harm, with nearly all reducing tobacco use and some quitting. The project highlighted the importance of inclusive harm reduction strategies for tobacco and the participants' desire to improve their health. Curado emphasizes the need for access to safer nicotine products, data collection on affected populations, recognition of tobacco harm reduction in public health, and integration of nicotine in harm reduction strategies. The success of the vaping groups demonstrates the effectiveness of consumer-driven approaches in public health.