Reference no: EM133875680

Discussion Post: Harm Reduction

As healthcare providers work together to treat substance use disorders, they often have conversations about whether a treatment is successful or not. There are some who view successful treatment as synonymous with complete abstinence and consider any continued substance use a failure. While abstinence is an approach that works well for some clients, there is increasing awareness that this definition of success may be too narrow. Harm reduction is an approach to substance use disorder treatment that recognizes that incremental changes that increase client safety and reduce harm are valuable. This approach expands the definition of success to include treatment that does not necessarily lead to abstinence but increases safety and reduces harm.

In this Discussion, you watch a video featuring a comprehensive needle exchange program. As you watch, take note of all the ways that the program promotes client health and the ways it can support varied levels of treatment that align with a client's readiness for change. Use this Discussion as an opportunity to analyze the evidence base for harm reduction, the ethical principles that underlie harm reduction, and your own attitudes toward this treatment approach.

To Prepare:

1) Review the Learning Resources on harm reduction.

2) Watch the National Institute on Drug Abuse's What is Harm Reduction? video and take note of the services provided by Idea Exchange, the comprehensive needle exchange program featured in the video.

3) Harm reduction has a strong evidence base, but there are some professionals who worry that it hinders rather than helps recovery. Reflect on any tensions or concerns you may have about harm reduction and review the evidence behind the practice.

Task

1) Describe the rationale for Idea Exchange staff providing clean needles to program clients. In your description be sure to explain how needle exchange fits into the program's overall service offerings. Get the instant assignment help.

2) Select two NASW ethical principles and explain how harm reduction aligns with these principles.

3) Although harm reduction is an evidence-based practice, some professionals worry that it hinders rather than helps recovery. Describe your own attitudes toward harm reduction and explain how evidence could inform your practice and allay any concerns.