We believe all clients have the potential to improve if not recover from substance abuse and live a clean and sober
lifestyle. Our approach toward this goal is pragmatic in that we accept and use the following harm reduction features in our treatement approach.
Harm reduction is a health-centred approach that seeks to
reduce the health and social harms associated with alcohol and
drug use, without necessarily requiring that users abstain.
Harm reduction is a non-judgmental response that meets users
“where they are” with regard to their substance use rather than
imposing a moralistic judgment on their behaviours. As such,
the approach includes a broad continuum of responses, from
those that promote safer substance use, to those that promote
abstinence.
The following are some features of harm reduction:
Humane Values: The substance user’s decision to use
alcohol and other drugs is accepted as his or her choice; no
moralistic judgment is made, either to condemn or to
support use of substances, regardless of level of use or mode
of intake. The dignity and rights of the person who uses
alcohol and other drugs are respected.
Hierarchy of Goals: Most harm reduction programs have a
hierarchy of goals; the most pressing needs are addressed first.
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