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Even though people have failed to do so since the beginning of time, wouldn’t it be perfect if everyone just abstained from harmful substances? Harm reduction is for all those – like Richie Sambora and 95 percent of people in treatment and AA – who drink again even after they’ve sworn to God they wouldn’t. Huckleberry Finn knew abstinence vows were phoney.
Fueled by more than morals
Understandably, our American resistance to giving up our marlistic attitude drives a need to preach abstinence of all "evils". We're also a culture steeped in religiosity, and for God's sake, we do yell quit drinking. But, I think that more than morals drives the helping hand to prefer our loved ones quit their illness altogether, albeit impossible to ask of them. I think many of us preach abstinence because we understand to not quit will inevitably lead to death, not only by means of car crashes and other dumb under the influence accidents, but by liver failure, cancer, and disease in general. Harm reduction does not allay these preventable causes of death satisfactorily. I think research money should go into devising a plan of abstinence that focuses on holistic healing, such as the 12-steps program. And we shouldn't settle for non-positive results, but push towards ending addiction once and for all. It can be done, and it should be done. Harm reduction is not the means to an end, but the perpetuation of illness. We wouldn't reduce the harm of a drowning victim by tossing him a life jacket and hoping he has enough strength to put it on, and we shouldn't reduce the harm of alcoholics by saying drink, but drink responsibly. That's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one.
Harm Reduction
Drug rehabs that have life skills programs can teach the addicted person to stay out of harms way.
Support for Harm Reducers
Fortunately there is finally a support group available for people who wish to reduce the harm in their lives caused by the use of alcohol: The HAMS Harm Reduction Network. AA and abstinence are no longer the only options.
Prop 19 weigh in
We look forward to your comments on whether you support a vote of yes on Prop 19 in California to regulate, tax, and control cannabis in 2010. Harm reduction will increase under regulation of cannabis and as a practical matter, open discussion should bring health care professionals including mental health professionals closer to marijuana users who will no longer fear contact and/or honesty with medical professionals. Use is not abuse, and education can help people stay on the right path. Thoughts?
Ty Palmer :: Founder
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