Mary Woods
Mary Woods
Harm Reduction and Abstinence – Special Encore Presentation!
Harm Reduction and Abstinence – Special Encore Presentation!
Harm Reduction and Abstinence – Special Encore Presentation!
Monday 15th December 2008
Dr. Tom Irwin joins Mary Woods to discuss harm reduction vs. abstinence in substance abuse treatment on 'One Hour AT A Time'.
55 minutes
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Author:
Mary Woods
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Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Get the buttons here!Harm Reduction vs. Abstinence: Tailoring Substance Abuse Treatment
Harm reduction isn't a four-letter word and abstinence isn't the end of the road for people who have addiction.
Imagine trying to navigate the maze of substance abuse treatment options. In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', Mary Woods sits down with Dr. Tom Irwin, the Program Director for The McLean Center at Fernside, to dissect the ongoing debate between harm reduction and abstinence. Dr. Irwin, with his extensive background in clinical psychology and substance abuse treatment, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, making this conversation both enlightening and practical.
The episode dives into the idea that harm reduction and abstinence are not mutually exclusive but rather part of a continuum in substance abuse treatment. Dr. Irwin explains that the ultimate goal is to help individuals achieve a safe and stable life, which might look different for everyone. For some, complete abstinence is the answer, while for others, a harm reduction approach might be more suitable. The key takeaway? Individualizing treatment based on personal goals and circumstances is crucial. Dr.
Irwin also touches on the importance of medically assisted recovery and how it fits into the broader picture of harm reduction. There's still a lot of debate about whether medically assisted recovery qualifies as sobriety, but Dr. Irwin emphasizes that the primary objective is to stabilize the individual and help them live a fulfilling life. Throughout the episode, Mary Woods and Dr.
Irwin highlight the challenges of transferring individuals between different levels of care and the need for flexible treatment programs that can adapt to each person's unique journey. Whether you're a family member, a practitioner, or someone struggling with addiction, this episode offers valuable insights into how harm reduction and abstinence can both play roles in recovery. Tune in to hear Dr.
Irwin's expert perspective on why it's essential to look at the whole person and their goals when designing a treatment plan. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of substance abuse treatment.