Harm Reduction as Continuum Care in Alcohol Abuse Disorder

Course overview

This course examines harm reduction as an approach to treat alcohol dependence. The authors propose that it creates a better chance for compliance with treatment in a comprehensive treatment setting. A reduction in alcohol assumption can reduce risk of disease and have an impact on public health and economic costs of treatment. The article discuses anti-craving medications targeting opioid receptors through the detoxification process. The authors also address reducing stigma as barrier to treatment. The harm reduction strategy for alcoholism may be more appealing to patients than abstinence.