Harm Reduction Strategies for Substance Use

Course overview

For decades, complete abstinence from alcohol and other substances has been the basis of treatment for substance use disorders in the U.S. Though many treatment professionals strongly believe that full recovery requires total abstinence, treatment views are evolving. Some people in recovery never completely stop using, and the concept of abstinent recovery is an unrealistic or unwanted standard for many. A growing number of professionals believe that while abstinence is a worthy goal, a harm reduction approach can prevent deaths and keep people alive and healthier in cases when total abstinence has not worked. In fact, harm reduction is effective in preventing overdoses and saving lives. In this course, you will learn that harm reduction asserts that to treat substance use disorder effectively, multiple options must be considered. You also will learn that treatment needs for people who are not ready to become completely abstinent should be considered and provided.