Harm Reduction Approaches with Adolescents Who Use Substances

Harm Reduction Approaches with Adolescents Who Use Substances details the concepts of harm reduction and how they can be implemented in work with adolescents on the topic of substance use behaviors.

This book reviews the concepts of harm reduction as they have traditionally been applied and in the context of working with adolescents around issues of substance use behaviors. Using both conceptual and real-world examples, this book guides students through case examples and exercises designed to not only better understand harm reduction as a concept, but to practice putting it to use in real world clinical scenarios. This book also aims to reduce the stigma associated with talking about substance using behavior and to provide nuance around different types of use, from experimental to hazardous, using person-first language without resorting to shaming and blaming. Practical elements incorporate skills of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into discussion.

Suitable for use in a variety of upper-level and graduate courses, this book educates students about the traditional concepts of harm reduction and how they can relate to adolescent substance use and family therapy.