COVID-19 AFFORDABLE AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SHARING AND INFORMATION SESSION 9: Harm Reduction Training

The Harm Reduction initiative designates public health policies and interventions designed to reduce harmful consequences of behavior. It is consistent with a crisis Intervention approach to treatment utilizing the stages of change model as a means to work on goals that the client is willing to work on and has proven effective with difficult to reach populations. Applying harm reduction strategies assists people with developing a higher level of independent functioning and integration into society and supports ongoing progress with people who otherwise might remain stuck pending abstinence requirements.  The intervention is effective at reducing negative consequences as a result of substance use by targeting a person’s current stage of change and willingness to work on steps to improved quality of life. This intervention is ingrained in the early stage model for co-occurring treatment and supports the idea that required abstinence might be detrimental to clients in early recovery who have been self-medicating with other substances.

The Harm Reduction approach is also trauma informed as it truly allows client choice and relies on working on goals the client feels safe in working towards. Harm reduction moves people towards better health outcomes by focusing on adding positive actions towards health and mental health versus only focusing on removing or stopping certain behaviors. This is a person centered approach that allows the person to be an expert on their own life and assists them with moving through the stages of change at their own pace, capacity and willingness. It is delivered in a non-judgmental approach and heavily focuses on use of motivational interviewing skills. Harm Reduction techniques were created in order to set realistic and achievable goals that can save the lives of people that are experiencing substance use disorders and is the intervention model used for permanent supportive housing programs that utilize the Housing First design.