Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Second Edition: An Alternative Approach to Addictions

by Patt Denning, Jeannie Little

This volume presents an innovative model for the treatment of clients with alcohol and substance abuse problems. Demonstrating that traditional approaches to addictions are inappropriate for many substance users who also have psychological or emotional problems, Patt Denning shows how effective therapeutic work can be conducted with individuals who may still be using drugs. For the first time, the goals and methods of harm reduction are incorporated into a comprehensive psychotherapeutic approach - one that can be initiated without waiting for, or insisting upon, abstinence. Featuring a wealth of clinical examples and step-by-step guidelines for assessment and treatment, this wise and practical book will be immediately useful to therapists and counselors in a wide range of settings." "This book provides a powerful alternative to traditional addiction treatment methods. It is a resource for practicing psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and addictions counselors, as well as instructors, students, and trainees in these and related public health fields. It also may serve as a text in graduate-level courses.

Genres: Psychology, Addiction, Nonfiction, Social Work, Drugs

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[KP H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose because this book is 20 years old, the content is pretty mainstream in the addictions field now. I didn't find much useful in it that I hadn't already learned elsewhere in my education/practice.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the authors writing style. Very easy to read and follow along. Well organized. It is a bit outdated, but still has useful information.

[Omer Aslam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book gives a good account of the authors' praiseworthy efforts to bring Harm Reduction (a humane pragmatic approach) to San Francisco both as a public health measure and for individual and group psychotherapy. The discussion of psychotherapy interventions is somewhat hodgepodge, though they would prefer to call it an eclectic or integrated mix of various traditions. There is a fair bit of talk about their own psycho-dynamic orientation with references to transference and counter-transference. To their credit, they make various references also to Motivational Interviewing and William Miller; however, their account of actual MI is pretty basic and lacks depth.

Towards the end, they mention a few "common complaints" leveled against Harm Reduction by outsiders, which in my opinion too is where this approach is lacking. Two of these complaints are (in their own words): "that harm reductionists, in their efforts to reduce global harms like HIV transmission, are ignoring the individual's problems with addiction; that harm reduction is about diminished expectations of people we have given up on;".

[Jon De · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book very much; however some the authors ideas towards harm reduction went a little to far. But there is nothing as refreshing then being taken out of your comfort zone and being challenged. I recommend this book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical, human approach to learning how to treat addictions.

[Alejandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if I agree with some of their methods but it is a very different perspective on treatment of substance abuse