What's the Difference? Harm Reduction and Abstinence

In the addiction treatment world, abstinence and harm reduction can often be seen as contrary to each other. We need both models available in order to truly help clients. Our goal is to meet clients where they are and help walk with them to building a life worth living sober. 

In this Podcast: 

• Abstinence is based on the biological model of addiction that we discussed in Episode 7 (Brain Science and addiction)
• Abstinence is based on the idea that the only way to arrest addiction is to remove the substance(s) that cause craving
• Much of the literature and programs promoting abstinence are based in the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. 
• Some early treatment programs were strictly abstinence based and would turn people away or discharge them if they were found to be using. 
• Harm reduction was created as a result of those clients needing services that were accepting of their stage of change. 
• Harm reduction aims to minimize the negative effects of drug use on the person who is using.
• There are many harm reduction strategies. 
• The three discussed in the podcast today are the availability of naloxone (the antidote to opiate overdose), needle exchange programs (providing clean needles free of charge to IV drug users), and medication assisted treatment programs using Suboxone (or methadone). 
• We need to talk about the whole spectrum of treatment with all clients. Presenting harm reduction and talking about progression’s impact.