Harm Reduction
We advocate for the safer use of alcohol, medications and street drugs. Harm Reduction strategies are implemented whenever and wherever possible.
This approach focuses on minimizing the harm that can occur to a client through their use of substances and participation in potentially dangerous activities. The focus is on reduction of substance use while working towards abstinence, or may involve the decision to use substances within moderate guidelines.
Harm Reduction strategies focus on short-term goals that are achievable improvements instead of an "all or nothing" approach to abstinence vs. any use.
Harm Reduction strategies may relate to the safer use of substances (i.e. using clean needles through needle exchange) or can focus on other health risks such as unsafe sex.
What is a "Moderation Strategy" and who is appropriate?
ADSTV Principles:
• | A client whose preference is abstinence is always supported in this goal and would never be encouraged to use substances in any circumstance. People who do not use substances are not encouraged to start. |
• | A client who wishes to continue using one substance and abstain from other substances will be supported by ADS. |
• | A client who experiments with moderation and decides on abstinence as a more appropriate goal is always supported in this revision of their treatment goals. |
• | Clients who continue to use substances, but are working toward abstinence or moderation will also be supported. A contract is terminated if the client is not making any efforts at reduction of use or use continues to escalate. |
• | Clients who encounter significant risk while adopting moderation goals will be encouraged to revise their treatment goals. |
• | Clients are instructed to never use substances and drive or operate machinery |
Some clients are appropriate for a treatment plan that includes the moderate use of substances. This appropriateness is determined by many, many factors including:
- | Age |
- | Medical status |
- | Cognitive competence |
- | Psychiatric status |
- | Legal status |
- | Client preference re: moderation or abstinence |
- | Previous treatment experiences |
- | Level of dependence |
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At ADSTV, we adhere to the moderation guidelines for responsible use of alcohol as written by the Addiction Research Foundation (Centre for Addictions & Mental Health - Addiction Division).
We advocate for the safer use of alcohol and medication and street drugs. Harm Reduction strategies are implemented whenever and wherever possible.
During the assessment phase, information is gathered about the nature, extent and severity of substance use. In treatment planning, this information is compiled with information about other life areas, adverse consequences of alcohol and drug use, personal and social consequences and test scores indicating the level of dependence. A treatment plan is developed with the client and their preferences are explored and compared with the best clinical advice and practice.
At ADSTV we do not believe in directing the client against their will or preferences, instead we work with the client in making the decisions that are best for them. Sometimes a medical or psychiatric condition makes moderate use of alcohol very risky and advice is given to the client about why this might not be a good choice. The client is empowered to make up his or her own mind.
Sometimes moderation is not appropriate because of limited cognitive functioning. Moderation strategies often involve goal setting exercises, homework assignments and self-monitoring.
If a client has a legal status that includes an abstinence clause, then moderation is not appropriate, until after the legal status has changed. (ie; probation is complete).
