Harm reduction for substance abuse is concerned with minimizing the damage associated with substance misuse and encompasses a range of health practices and social and legal services that apply to both legal and illegal drugs. Harm reduction is built around making a proactive move for combating the adverse effects linked with substance abuse that necessitates providing pertinent services and resources. 1
Therefore, harm reduction is defined as a strategy that takes the form of policies, initiatives, and practices that work to lessen the adverse effects of drug use on health, relationships, and society and provide low-barrier ways to access medical care for substance use disorders. 2
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Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.
Abstinence is built on the principle that it is impossible to successfully moderate substance use in a way that does not encourage or lead to adverse effects. It is the total cessation of alcohol or drug use. On the other hand, the harm reduction model places a higher priority on minimizing the adverse effects of substance abuse and works by curtailing the harm to health without completely ceasing actual usage. 5
Drug overdoses are a common implication of substance use. Either due to constant substance intake and systemic accumulation or the effects of multiple substance use. Overdoses, although common, are preventable by offering proper support, information, and care to people with substance use issues.
One of the hallmarks of the cessation of substance use is the development of intense withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms, especially seen in conditions such as opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, can be highly debilitating and worsen drug-seeking behavior. Medications such as naloxone work to curb drug craving as well as withdrawal symptoms.
Many harm reduction programs around the country offer harm reduction therapy services. These harm reduction centers are easy to reach through recommendations from qualified medical professionals. In addition, the technology development has made it easier to find and access local and online support groups.7
A certified harm reduction therapist conducts therapy sessions, suggests support groups, and provides educational materials as part of a multifaceted treatment approach. The goal of this approach is to spread important knowledge, lower the risks of substance abuse, and foster the development of healthy habits.
Harm reduction counseling provides an alternative to reducing substance use and is founded on enhancing wellbeing and promoting safety without requiring users to give up usage drastically. It is beneficial for aiding individuals who have had trouble responding to other strategies to manage how much substance is used to limit the negative impact on health. It also reduces the harmful effects of substances used on the community.
Essence Health and Wellness Clinic’s harm reduction program is motivated by the need to offer high-quality, individualized harm reduction care in the form of counseling, psychotherapy, medical services (such as pre-exposure prophylaxis), treatment referrals, and support to people who are struggling with substance abuse. The harm reduction program’s treatments emphasize kindness, compassion, and respect while also focusing on abstinence-oriented techniques to prevent and lessen drug-related problems.
From providing harm reduction for substance abuse in a supportive and safe environment to delivering round-the-clock assistance, at Essence Health and Wellness, we aim to help individuals struggling with substance use cope better and recover.
Contact us for additional details on harm reduction at Essence and Wellness today.
At EHW, we accept health insurance plans from most providers. If you are covered by a private or commercial insurance policy, your plan may cover your substance use and mental health treatment costs.