Harm reduction is an approach to treating those with alcohol and other substance-use problems that does not require patients to commit to complete abstinence before treatment begins. Instead, an array of practical strategies are deployed to reduce the negative health and social consequences of substance use, and psychotherapy aims to change behavior according to the goals of each patient, whether that means moderation of use or complete abstinence.
Harm Reduction Strategies
A clinical philosophy more than any one set of treatment interventions, harm reduction draws on psychodynamic, cognitive, and behavioral psychotherapies to help patients moderate drug use. In addition to individual psychotherapy , group therapy with peers and family therapy may be used when deemed beneficial. One underlying assumption is that most drug users want to make positive change, but don’t take action—just like most people want to exercise but do not.
Harm reduction recognizes that people often resort to alcohol and other drugs to cope with difficult feelings, depression , loss, or other problems in their lives, and therapists aim to first help patients develop effective coping mechanisms for their problems of living. The approach also acknowledges that relapse is a natural part of the process of changing behavior and an opportunity for learning behaviors that could prevent future relapses .
“Harm reduction” is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of health and social concerns. Some notable examples include needle exchange services (which first appeared in the 1980s to combat the dangers of HIV and hepatitis), safe injection sites, drinking and driving laws, and free condoms. In addition, harm reduction programs are available for many different substances, such as alcohol, stimulants, ecstasy, marijuana, and opioids.
Yes. Not only are many harm reduction approaches considered to be evidence-based, but they are also saving lives. Some proven harm reduction practices include medical marijuana, heroin-assisted treatment, and drug checking.
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