About the Book
Twelve-step programs that insist on abstinence are beneficial to many--but what about the millions of Americans who try to quit and fail, just want to cut down, or wish to work toward sobriety gradually? This groundbreaking book presents the Harm Reduction approach, a powerful alternative to traditional treatment that helps users set and meet their own goals for gaining control over drinking and drugs. The expert, empathic authors guide readers to figure out which aspects of their own habits may be harmful, what they would like to change, and how to put their intentions into action while also dealing with problems that stand in the way, such as depression, stress, and relationship conflicts. Based on solid science and 40+ years of combined clinical experience, the book is packed with self-discovery tools, fact sheets, and personal accounts. It puts the reader in the driver's seat with a new and empowering roadmap for change.
Winner--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award
Table of Contents:
Introduction: What Is Harm Reduction, Anyway?
1. Addiction: Is It All or Nothing?
2. So If We’re Not Addicts, What’s the Harm?
3. How Much Is Too Much?
4. So Why Do I Keep Using?
5. To Change or Not to Change
6. How Do I Know Exactly What My Problem Is?
--What Are These Drugs, Anyway?--
7. Practicing Harm Reduction: Substance Use Management
8. Practicing Harm Reduction: How to Take Care of Yourself While Still Using
9. Finding the Right Help
10. Is Harm Reduction Working?
11. How to Talk to Family and Friends about Harm Reduction
A Letter to Families and Friends
Resources
Sources and Suggested Readings in Harm Reduction
Index
About the Authors
About the Author :
Patt Denning, PhD, is Director of Clinical Services and Training at the Harm Reduction Therapy Center, San Francisco. Widely recognized as an expert on drug treatment and dual diagnosis, she is one of the main developers of harm reduction psychotherapy. Her publications for professionals include Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy. Jeannie Little, LCSW, Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Therapy Center, is a licensed clinical social worker and certified group psychotherapist.
Adina Glickman, LCSW, is Assistant Director for Peer and Academic Support at Stanford University. A licensed clinical social worker, teacher, and writer, she maintains an independent therapy practice in the San Francisco Bay area.
Review :
"Imagine if all that counted in helping people with drug problems were science, compassion, health, and common sense. Imagine if the bottom line were simply a matter of helping people get their lives together, one step at a time, in their own particular way. Read this wonderful book, and what you imagine just might become real. "--Ethan Nadelmann, PhD, Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance
"At last, a user-friendly guide to harm reduction! If you or someone you care about are seeking an alternative to abstinence-only programs, I highly recommend this book. It offers ample solace, support, information, and the skills you need to understand harm reduction and use it to make positive changes in your life. The authors are compassionate and pragmatic, and their extensive experience is reflected on every page."--G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, Addictive Behaviors Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle
"Over the Influence is not only the best-named book about recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, it is also the best written, most concise, and most emotionally real of all the books in the field. Denning, Little, and Glickman translate the controversial concepts of harm reduction into practical guidelines for people who want to improve their lives--whether or not they achieve abstinence."--Lonny Shavelson, MD, author of Hooked: Five Addicts Challenge Our Misguided Drug Rehab System
"This book will bring optimism and hope to readers with a range of addictive problems. Dr. Denning and her coauthors don't demand abstinence, nor attack the integrity of those who don't attain it. Instead, the harm reduction approach encourages people to make changes that improve their lives, no matter how long it takes or how many setbacks they encounter. A brave, caring, and radical book."--Stanton Peele, PhD, JD, author of The Truth about Addiction and Recovery
"Denning, Little and Glickman take the concept of harm reduction and apply it broadly and eloquently. This guide is sure to provide users, their families, their therapists, and their communities with tools to address the complexities that characterize drug use, misuse, addiction, and treatment. I highly recommend it to everyone who is, knows, or cares about a user of intoxicating substances."--Marsha Rosenbaum, PhD, Director, Safety First Project, Drug Policy Alliance, San Francisco
