Harm Reduction Approaches with Adolescents Who Use Substances by Reiman, Amanda; Lessin, Barry;

Short description:

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.

Long description:

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.

‘This is a book that will lower parental anxieties and help teens engage in honest conversations about drug use. Lessin and Reiman have taken science and clinical wisdom to develop their IDEA structure- a collaborative conversation that places the complexity of teen drug use in the context of normal adolescent development.’

Patt Denning, PhD, Director of Clinical Services and Training at the Harm Reduction Therapy Center, co-author of Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: An Alternative Approach to Addictions

‘In their new book, Harm Reduction Approaches with Adolescents Who Use Substances, Barry Lessin and Amanda Reiman are on the cutting edge of new thinking about working with adolescents. Called harm reduction, this approach has the following defining characteristics: 1) adolescents are treated with respect as collaborators in the change and healing process; 2) use of substances by young people is not entirely ruled out, nor taken as a sign of an irresolvable, lifelong disease. Rather, the entire child, their outlook and relationships with the people and the world around them, are the building blocks for the Lessin-Reiman adolescent helping approach. If their approach sounds like plain common sense, steeped in what readers understand to be the basics of sound parenting and youth development — so be it. For Lessin and Reiman there can be no better sign that they are tracking with the best practices for yielding healthy functioning at any age.’

Stanton Peele, PhD, founder, Life Process Program for Addiction Coaching, author of A Scientific Life on the Edge: My Lonely Quest to Change How We See Addiction

‘This book finally provides the much-needed response to the question that harm reductionists are asked every day: "But what about the kids?" In this comprehensive book, Reiman and Lessin provide families, providers, and communities with a framework with which to understand why young people use drugs and how to support them to make safer choices.’

Sheila P. Vakharia, PhD, MSW, author of The Harm Reduction Gap

Table of Contents:

Part 1: Welcome to Harm Reduction  1. Harm Reduction History and Concepts  2. Examples of Harm Reduction in the Current Substance Use Landscape  3. Drug Using Behavior in Adolescence  4. Substance Use in Adolescence: Potential Harms and Suggested Approaches  5. Drug Policy’s Impact on Addiction Treatment and Drug Education  Part 2: Addressing Substance Use with Harm Reduction Treatment Strategies  6. Key Considerations in Practicing HRT  7. Core Dilemmas in Practicing Harm Reduction Therapy  8. Essentials of Adolescent Development and Parenting  9. Why HRT Works Well With Adolescents  10. Adolescent HRT in Practice  11. Trauma-Informed Care  12. Working with Parents  13. Exercises  Conclusion and Key Takeaways