Harm Reduction Model for Substance Research Paper

Therefore, HRM is designed to help those who would likely not succeed in traditional treatment methodologies as well as to address the indirect harms associated with the behavior targeted for intervention (Brocato & Wagner, 2003).

In that respect, existing HRM-based drug treatment programs have confirmed the social benefit and individual welfare achievable through the more tolerant form of intervention. Universally, the literature documents the extent to which social problems such as petty crime and personal harm such as disease transmission and other types of intravenous infection have been substantially reduced through the HRM approach to drug abuse.

In Opposition to the Harm Reduction Model

Critics of the HRM (especially in connection with illicit drug abuse) strongly object to that approach, largely because they believe that it is tantamount to condoning that behavior or even enabling it in the classical codependency context (O'Neill, 2002). In general, that is equally true with respect to opponents of HRM-based intervention, such as in the case of the controversy over contraception and safe sex education for teenagers. In principle, HRM strategies are seen as undermining the fundamental necessary goal of intervening in and preventing harmful behavior. That view may also recognize the value of targeting ancillary harm (such as petty crime in connection with drug addiction), but only within a framework that emphasizes the attempt at direct traditional intervention (Denning, 2000). Naturally, critics of HRM are vehemently opposed to programs such as DanceSafe which provides an MDMA ("ecstasy") validation service, typically at dance clubs or "raves" where attendees may confirm the authenticity of their illicit ecstasy (Tuukka, 2004).

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, it is understandable why critics may have been skeptical of the HRM concept without any empirical evidence of its effectiveness. However, the weight of the available empirical data strongly suggests that HRM-based substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs are very successful. In addition to providing valuable support for addicts who were unable to achieve complete sobriety through the traditional treatment approach, such programs also substantially reduce the cost of continuing addiction to society as well as to the individual substance abuser.

References

Brocato, J. And Wagner, E.F. (2003). "Harm reduction: A social work practice model and social justice agenda." Health & Social Work. Retrieved November 02, 2010 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-334573631.html

Denning, P. (2000). Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: An Alternative

Approach to Addictions. New York: Guilford Press.

Ghetti, C.M. (2004). "Incorporating Music Therapy into the Harm Reduction Approach

to Managing Substance Use Problems." Music Therapy Perspectives. American Music Therapy Association. Retrieved November 02, 2010 from HighBeam

Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-776974121.html

O'Neill, T. (2002). "The war against indulgence: a symposium launches a counterattack against pro-drug 'harm reduction' programs." The Report Newsmagazine. United Western Communications. Retrieved November 02, 2010 from HighBeam

Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-90630679.html.

Tuukka, T. (2004). "The harm-reduction school of thought: three fractions."

Contemporary Drug Problems. Federal Legal Publications, Inc. 2004. Retrieved

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