Harm Reduction: Pragmatic Strategies for Managing High-Risk Behaviours - Hardcover

'This is an extremely important and valuable work, for it firmly, but rather modestly, points the way to a needed paradigm shift in how we approach some of our greatest social ills particularly the AIDS epidemic and illicit drug use ... The real impact of this seminal volume is that it makes the case for harm reduction as a powerful model for both treatment and public-policy innovations ... A needed eye-opener for clinicians, patient advocates, and policy makers alike.' - Psychiatric Services

'Marlatt's book will provide food for thought and a variety of useful ideas for implementation of harm-reduction programs.' - Contemporary Psychology

Harm reduction principles and strategies are designed to minimize the destructive consequences of illicit drug use and other behaviors that may pose serious health risks. Rather than insisting on abstinence as a prerequisite to continued treatment, proponents of the harm reduction approach aim to meet drug users "where they're at" with community-based services that empower diverse clients to set and meet their own treatment goals. The first major harm reduction text, this provocative and timely volume examines a wide range of current applications-from needle exchange and methadone maintenance programs, to alternative alcohol interventions and AIDS prevention campaigns. Insight is also offered into the often contentious philosophical and policy-related debates surrounding this growing movement.
This text will be of interest to frontline drug and alcohol treatment providers, AIDS educators, community health activists, students and professionals in public health, clinical and health psychology, psychiatry, primary care, counseling, and social work; readers interested in drug policy and the law.