Is Harm Reduction Therapy right for you?
You may have heard of Harm Reduction Therapy or maybe you’re curious about whether it could be helpful for you. In the world of addiction treatment and drug and alcohol counseling, there are several different approaches and philosophies and it can be helpful to explore all the options before deciding what is right for you. In this article I’ll explain what Harm Reduction Therapy aims to do and some ways to determine if it’s the right fit.
Harm Reduction Therapy
Harm Reduction Therapy offers a person centered approach to addiction treatment by honoring the autonomy and individuality of each individual person who might be seeking care for drug or alcohol use. Rather than stigmatizing drug use and applying a one size fits all abstinence only treatment model, the harm reduction philosophy seeks to meet individuals where they are at and find ways to reduce the potential harm of drug and alcohol use rather than eliminate it completely.
The mission of the harm reduction philosophy is to reduce the negative effects associated with drugs and alcohol. This can look many different types of ways depending on the person and their goals. A harm reduction therapist will look to the client to understand what their drug and alcohol use goals are rather than prescribing their belief of what needs to happen in the clients life.
When Harm reduction therapy might be right for you
If you are struggling with your drug and alcohol use and want support, but you are afraid of the stigma associated with your use and don’t want to necessarily quit completely, then harm reduction therapy might be right for you. Many people, for example, struggle to moderate their drinking, but avoid seeking support because they don’t want to have to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and quit drinking forever. If you are in a similar situation where you want someone to talk to about your drug and alcohol use, but you don’t necessarily want an abstinence only model, then the harm reduction model might work well for you.
The dangers of an abstinence only approach
Just like with sex education, if we only teach and offer an abstinence model of care, then many folks will fall through the cracks and not receive the care they need. Abstinence only education definitely has its place, and for many it is the only route that works for them, but applying this model to every drug user misses out on helping a large portion of the population. If you have been afraid of an abstinence only program for your drug or alcohol use, or you live in an area where drugs and alcohol are highly stigmatized, then finding a harm reduction therapist who is understanding and compassionate to your situation can be incredibly helpful.
Abstinence still has its place
The beauty of the harm reduction model is that a harm reduction therapist can still help someone who wants to quit completely and use the abstinence only model. A harm reduction therapist will seek to understand the individual client’s unique needs and goals. Iif those goals are to stop using drugs or alcohol completely, then the therapist can help them reach their stated goals.
Harm reduction is open and flexible to adjust to the needs of the individual client, and this includes offering abstinence support when needed. For some people who might be at risk of death, have tried moderation and failed consistently, or who just want to stop using, an abstinence model might be a good option. A harm reduction therapist, being flexible and open to the clients stated needs and goals can support you whatever your drug and alcohol use healing looks like, whether that is a moderation or abstinence based approach.
Choosing the right approach for you
Whatever route you take in getting support for your drug and alcohol use, the most important thing is that you do reach out. Now more than ever there are a multitude of treatment approaches and philosophies in supporting drug and alcohol users, so there is likely a therapist or support group that works for you. Whether you take an abstinence only or a harm reduction approach, the most important part is reaching out for support. Hopefully this article has helped you expand your understanding of what types of support is out there so you can better support yourself with appropriate help.
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If you are needing support for your drug and alcohol use, you can reach out here for support. Pacific Psychotherapy offers drug and alcohol counseling from a harm reduction and abstinence approach in Santa Cruz. Reach out today with any questions or to schedule a free and confidential consultation.