From addictions treatment pioneer G. Alan Marlatt and associates, this is the authoritative work on harm reduction: its principles, strategies, and practical applications. Contributors review programs that have been developed and tested for a range of high-risk behaviors, including problem drinking, tobacco use, illicit drug use, and risky sexual behavior. Flexible, tailored, culturally competent treatment approaches are described for marginalized and underserved communities. The volume also explores philosophical and policy-related debates surrounding this growing movement. New to This Edition *Reflects significant advances in research and clinical practice. *Chapters on the current status of the field, applications to psychotherapy, and treatment of dual disorders. *Chapters on additional populations (adolescent drinkers and Hispanic/Latino and Asian American substance users) and an additional substance (cannabis).

About the Author

G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, until his death in 2011, was Director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center and Professor of Psychology at the University of Washington. For over 30 years, Dr. Marlatt conducted pioneering work on understanding and preventing relapse in substance abuse treatment and was a leading proponent of the harm reduction approach to treating addictive behaviors. Mary E. Larimer, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Washington, where she is also Associate Director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center and Director of the Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors. Katie Witkiewitz, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of New Mexico, with a joint appointment at the Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions.

Reviews

"Harm reduction is a pragmatic approach that meets people 'where they are at.' This excellent book brings together researchers and practitioners who have made significant contributions to the growth and acceptance of harm reduction as an integral, viable, and effective approach to minimizing the negative consequences of high-risk behaviors. The second edition provides an updated, expanded review of the current status of harm reduction approaches, their applications, and the evidence that supports them. It is a valuable resource for practitioners and researchers and an essential text for graduate students in addictive behaviors, psychology, and public health."--Dennis M. Donovan, PhD, Director, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine

"Marlatt and his colleagues have compiled what is certain to be the gold-standard reference, covering the history, evolution, and applications of harm reduction strategies in clinical practice, as well as controversies surrounding harm reduction. Harm reduction is founded on the idea that people are more likely to change risk behaviors when the approaches supporting these changes are intimately client centered/m-/even when such approaches conflict with social mores. The book shows how compassion and safety considerations create a fulcrum for balancing complex clinical decision making that both reduces harm and engages individuals in effective treatment."--Hilary S. Connery, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, McLean Hospital

"The original book was a revelation to me; the second edition makes another leap forward. Harm Reduction should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand behavior change. Both professionals and students will benefit from the up-to-date research reviews and practical applications for a variety of high-risk behaviors. Harm reduction principles and strategies offer a crucial counterpoint to the disease model and abstinence-only orientations. The material in this book provides a blueprint for enabling individual and social change."--Jan W. Murdoch, PhD, Department of Psychology, Clemson University

"This eloquent, compassionate book outlines pragmatic ways to identify and reduce high-risk behaviors associated with use of a broad spectrum of drugs, including alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and tobacco, as well as high-risk sexual behaviors. Tailored strategies designed to meet the needs of diverse cultures and communities are described. This important book is essential reading for workers in the field, and should be compulsory reading for policymakers."--Frank Ryan, CPsychol, AFBPsS, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Centre for Mental Health Research, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

- A very good introductory guide through the often difficult and controversial terrain of harm reduction. --Drug and Alcohol Review, 12/9/2011ff An extremely important and valuable work....The real impact of this seminal volume is that it makes the case for harm reduction as a powerful model for both treatment and public policy innovations. --Psychiatric Services, 12/9/2011ff This realistic, pragmatic approach to managing high-risk behaviors is solidly based on research evidence and clear logic. --Choice, 5/3/1999

Book Information
ISBN 9781462502561
Author G. Alan Marlatt
Format Hardback
Page Count 396
Imprint Guilford Press
Publisher Guilford Publications
Weight(grams) 720g