Alcohol Use Disorder and Harm Reduction: What’s It Like?
For the past 50 years, harm reduction strategies for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) have been researched and refined. In the U.S., approximately 90 million people live with mild to moderate AUD, and another 19 million have severe AUD. Of those with AUD, around 70 million will be eligible for harm reduction treatment, and research shows that 30% of these individuals can successfully return to safer drinking levels.
One clinic in the U.S. offers harm reduction treatment, where Cyndi Turner, an advocate for this approach, describes the type of person who benefits most from it:
You want to drink less but not quit entirely.
You want to reduce the negative consequences of your drinking.
You respond well to rewards as a way to manage your drinking.
You are willing to engage in counseling and check in, especially when you relapse.
Getting Started with Harm Reduction
The first step in harm reduction treatment is taking an assessment. Unlike abstinence-based models, harm reduction is not a one-size-fits-all approach. You will undergo regular assessments, participate in counseling, and be transparent about your drinking in order to succeed. It requires practice, commitment, and a willingness to confront difficult truths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends starting by reducing your drinking by one-third. They categorize drinking into four levels and suggest moving down by one or two levels to reduce harm. The benefits of lowering your drinking levels include:
Lower healthcare costs
Reduced likelihood of developing Alcohol Use Disorder
Fewer negative consequences related to drinking
Reduced risk of liver disease, impaired liver function, and depression
Positive medical effects on your overall health
Improved relationships with family and friends
What to Expect in Harm Reduction Treatment
This process will take time, and it's important to prioritize your mental health over simply aiming for abstinence. You may experience emotional challenges before you start to feel better. Be prepared for some shifts in your social circle as you begin building a network of people who support your harm reduction goals. Relationships with family members may also change as they adjust to your new approach to drinking.
Getting Help With Harm Reduction for Alcohol Abuse
If you’re ready to take the next step call your counselor in Denver, CO at 720-577-5571 or book a free 15 minute consultation.
Resources:
The Clinician’s Guide to Alcohol Moderation: Alternative Methods and Management Techniques by Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC (2020) Routledge, NY, NY.
Practicing Alcohol Moderation: A Comprehensive Workbook by Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC (2020) Routledge, NY, NY.
