Harm reduction, a pragmatic approach to drug and alcohol treatment, recognizes that addiction is a complex disease, and that addicted people are at various stages in their readiness to change. It acknowledges that some people aren’t ready or willing to attempt abstinence or even to reduce consumption, even when personal health is on the line.
Harm reduction supports personal improvement by encouraging people to take responsibility for their behavior, and to make small, incremental changes that enhance overall wellbeing. Proponents of harm reduction approaches believe that for some people, harm reduction is the only viable alternative. In some cases, addicted individuals are so unwilling to attempt complete abstinence that attempting to force the issue can backfire and do more harm than good. Moderating behavior and controlling use may be the only ways of reducing harm.
Basically, a harm reduction approach allows clinicians and therapists to meet people where they are, and to treat each person with dignity, respect and compassion without making critical judgements about where each person “should” be.
A policy of harm reduction improves life and health not only for the addicted person, but for the person’s family and the greater community.
Harm reduction is not an “anything goes” approach to substance abuse and addiction. It doesn’t encourage or promote continued substance abuse, and it doesn’t ignore the many possible consequences of continued use. Harm reduction is a neutral approach that neither condemns nor condones destructive behavior.
Abstinence is one a highly desired outcome, but there are other ways to support individual efforts to make positive changes. The goal is not necessarily to eliminate use entirely, but to reduce the negative consequences associated with continued substance abuse.
For example, a harm reduction approach:
Some treatment professionals believe a harm reduction approach is bound to fail sooner or later, while many recovering addicts claim it’s the only way they could make necessary changes and over time, gradually rid themselves of harmful use and addiction.
We believe that harm reduction isn’t always feasible and may not be the answer for everybody, but those who desire to give it a try should be offered that opportunity. In many cases, harm reduction can not only enhance health and wellness, but can lead to a longer, happier, more productive life.
