Harm Reduction vs. Abstinence-Only Approaches with Dr. Andrew Tatarsky The Beyond Addiction Show

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode of The Beyond Addiction Show.
Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, one of the pioneers of Harm Reduction Therapy and the Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy developer.
 
In this discussion, Dr. King plays the role of “skeptic” to really push Dr. Tatarsky on why Harm Reduction is the way to go over abstinence-only approaches, Dr. Tatarsky also provides some tips and skills on how you can try harm reduction now.
 
Key Takeaways:
[2:50] Dr. Tatarsky shares why this is the moment for Harm Reduction Therapy.
[5:43] Does Harm Reduction encourage people to keep using substances?
[6:52] Dr. Tatarsky explains the meaning of compassionate pragmatism.
[9:15] Harm Reduction offers support to anyone who is ready to start a positive change journey.
[10:33] Dr. Tatarsky shares the definition of addiction to explain why Harm Reduction is effective even though it doesn’t stop the use.
[12:52] What happens when we increase suffering for those struggling with substance abuse?
[14:03] Dr. Tatarsky talks about the supervised injection sites as safe spaces that saved millions of lives around the world.
[16:14] Some people believe that what works in Europe does not necessarily have to work in the U.S. Dr. Tatarsky dives deep into his work around the world.
[21:01] Dr. Tatarsky shares some eye-opening statistics.
[22:08] What happens when someone goes to a supervised injection site?
[24:01] Dr. Tatarsky compares the harm reduction approach to the traditional.
[25:33] Submit or rebel? Dr. Tatarsky talks about the consequences of assuming one or the other as a response to traditional treatments for substance abuse.
[27:10] Harm Reduction opens a safe place, where people can feel respected and heard.
[30:35] Dr. Tatarsky once said “I don’t want to see anyone addicted to substances but that doesn’t mean that if that is where someone is I can’t accept it.”
[32:04] Dr. Tatarsky shares an analogy that greatly exemplifies why serving each unique individual is a much better approach than expecting everyone to follow the same path in regard to substance abuse.
[34:49] Why is it valuable to meet people where they are?
[39:56] Offering alternative strategies is part of the Harm Reduction approach.
[40:55] Dr. Josh and Dr. Tatarsky talk about the statistics on the effectiveness of the traditional approach.
[44:44] There is no straight line to success.
[46:16] We cannot control the people we love, nor our clients or patients.
[47:10] Dr. Tatarsky explains what Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy is about.
[51:46] Assessment as treatment.
[54:11] “Better is better.”
[56:07] Treatment trauma is real, some people are ignored when seeking help.
[57:42] Dr. Tatarsky shares some specific skills and strategies to empower clients to achieve the changes they want to make in their lives: Urge Surfing, Unwrapping the Urge, Find 18 Alternative Choices, and Game Planning.
[1:11:24] Dr. Tatarsky shares why having a plan is crucial.
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
The Beyond Addiction Show
Center for Motivation and Change
Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
 
Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing
 
Center for Optimal Living
6 Step Guide to Positive Change
 
Tweetables and Quotes:
“Harm Reduction emerges in response to the limitations of traditional treatment.” — Dr. Andrew Tatarsky @_TheCMC (3:21)
 
“The overwhelming majority of people that struggle with drugs and alcohol have not been helped by traditional treatments.” — Dr. Andrew Tatarsky @_TheCMC (3:32)
 
“We don't have to know the outcome to start supporting people on their healing journeys” — Dr. Andrew Tatarsky @_TheCMC (8:51)
 
“It is not effective to ask people to just give up their life-saving, coping mechanism before they have an alternative that works better.