Harm Reduction Therapy

Is Harm Reduction Therapy Right For You?

There are many people whose lives have been saved by abstinence-based programs such as AA or NA. Prior to getting sober, they may have tried to use moderately multiple times throughout their life but continued to end up in the same dire circumstances. The research clearly shows that abstinence-based, peer-led programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and similar 12-step treatment modalities have been a vital lifeline for many people. However, abstinence-based approaches are not for everyone. Alternatively, harm reduction treatment focuses on reducing the negative consequences of substance use, rather than eliminating use altogether. Like many mental health concerns, addiction severity falls on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe. Perhaps you’ve made mistakes in your life because of your alcohol or substance use. Your use may have even led to legal consequences or challenges in your relationships. Maybe you’re in a relationship or friend group where alcohol or cannabis, for example, is part of your lifestyle and one of the many activities you actually enjoy together. Depending on the severity of your relationship with drugs or alcohol you may be a good candidate for harm reduction therapy.

Incremental Goals Towards Moderation

In the wake of rising opioid overdoses, harm reduction encompasses a broad public health initiative designed to reduce the negative consequences of substance use. These initiatives include clean needle programs, access to education on HIV and hepatitis, and providing patients with vital supplies such as fentanyl test strips, naloxone kits, and sterile injection materials. Alternatively, Harm Reduction Therapy is a specific approach to treating alcohol and substance use therapeutically. In this treatment approach, you set the goal, in collaboration with your therapist. Goal-setting typically involves a reduction in the frequency and amount of use, but not necessarily complete abstinence. The important aspect of treatment planning is that the goals are reasonable and attainable. In addition, you learn coping skills for managing cravings and strategies for decreasing exposure to triggers, thus making it easier to use moderately without being consumed by thoughts of wanting to use. I also assist you in deepening your understanding of the function that drugs and alcohol serve in your life by identifying the pros and cons of your current level of use. This can be an encouraging aspect of therapy, as many people are not entirely aware of the consequences of their use and the effect it has on important relationships, their mental health, or their functioning at work/school. Gaining more awareness of this can further reinforce and motivate you to further strive toward specific goals on your own terms. During your initial consultation, I assess whether harm reduction therapy is right for you, if you may benefit from abstinence-based treatment instead, or if a higher level of care such as intensive outpatient, residential treatment, or a detox program is more appropriate. For more information on harm reduction treatment for substance use, please click the following link:

Abstinence vs. Harm Reduction Treatment