Harm reduction can be defined as an approach directed towards groups or individuals with an eye on reducing the tribulations affiliated with various behaviors. Dale-Perera (2017) notes that when applied to substance abuse, the approach is essential in scaling down the effects of substance abuse. However, the researchers also reiterate that there have been many controversies surrounding the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies, hence advocating for the importance of understanding that the strategies work differently. The primary reason proposed for the continued use of harm reduction approaches is to aid victims dealing with the stress of side effects of substance abuse and gradually motivate them to stop the behavior.
Various medical treatments are accessible for opioid and alcohol abuse. Disulfiram, Naltrexone, Acamprosate for alcohol, Naltrexone, and Methadone for opioids are among the most effective treatments. Even those they might depict some side effects; their effectiveness is top-notch. Conversely, King (2021) alludes that the most preferred option is preventing drug abuse, whereby behavioral treatment services are one of the most effective strategies. This emphasizes the cognitive element in which victims can develop various thoughts concerning its use and oversees the negative cognitions affiliated with it. Different education programs are equally effective, whereby drug-refusal skills, drug education, and good parenting skills are taught.
Even though prevention services and the pictured recovery programs have proven effective, their access is limited to some cultural populations. For instance, King (2021) instigates that a nation like the Philippines does not have effective programs due to its poor economic state and increased number of drug and substance abusers. Consequently, drug laws and policies should not be universal but context-specific. Since various cultures have divergent definitions for substance dependency and abuse, it is essential to comprehend cultural patterns before creating and implementing such policies and laws.
References
Dale-Perera, A. (2017). Recovery, reintegration, abstinence, harm reduction: The role of different goals within drug treatment in the European context. Lisbon: EMCDDA.
King, W. (2021). Recovering from substance abuse in Arkansas: The accessibility and affordability of drug treatment programs [Doctoral dissertation, University of Arkansas].