Harm Reduction Approaches with Adolescents Who Use Substances

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.

Author Biography

Amanda Reiman, Ph.D., MSW, is a social worker and public health researcher. She is the founder of Personal Plants, a platform designed to help people develop healthy, balanced relationships with psychoactive plants. Dr. Reiman earned her Ph.D. in social welfare from the University of California, and conducted one of the first research studies on medical cannabis patients and the use of cannabis as a substitute for alcohol and other drugs. She also taught courses on drug use and drug policy at UC Berkeley for over a decade.

Barry Lessin, M.Ed., CAADC, is a harm reduction psychologist from Dresher PA with a private practice specializing in working with individuals and families impacted by substance use. His career spans over 40 years as a clinician, drug policy advocate, administrator, educator, and researcher.