Balancing Act: Harm Reduction and Abstinence in Recovery
In saying that, I think it's really important that we really reframe that harm reduction isn't a four letter word and abstinence isn't the end of the road for people who have addictions.
What if recovery wasn't just about quitting cold turkey? In this episode of 'One Hour at a Time', host Mary Woods chats with Dr. Irwin, the Program Director at The McLean Center at Fernside, about the nuanced world of harm reduction and abstinence. Dr. Irwin brings a wealth of experience from his time at institutions like Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Columbia University, diving deep into the complexities of treating substance use disorders.
Together, they explore the idea that total abstinence might not be the only path to recovery and that harm reduction can be a valuable strategy. They discuss how addiction can be as challenging to manage as heart disease and why proper nutrition is crucial in the recovery journey. Dr. Irwin sheds light on the continuum of recovery, emphasizing that abstinence isn't the final destination for everyone. They also touch on process addictions and other behaviors being researched.
If you or someone you care about is navigating the rocky road of addiction, this episode offers a compassionate and informed perspective on different recovery strategies.