--Original published at Anneka's Blog
Everyone has their addictions. While headlining addictions are the use of drugs or alcohol, addictions can be daily experiences. Are you addicted to a certain TV shows, favorite (unhealthy) foods, or coffee? Whether it be simple pleasures such as these or the more devastating addictions, over use of these can have negative effects, some more harmful than others. The United States is facing a widespread addiction epidemic, especially the use of opioids. For those struggling with an addiction and would like options of treatment, two main treatments are abstinence and the harm reduction methods. There is much debate over which method is the better treatment.
Abstinence is the more well-known method. The goal is to completely eliminate the unwanted behavior. The Alcohol Anonymous 12 Step Program is an example of an abstinence program. From the scientific standpoint of alcohol and drug addiction, abuse will permanently neurologically and physiologically change the brain. Thus, the tendency for addiction is 40-60% genetic, and it is difficult to use it in a non-addictive manner. Due to this tendency, complete restrain is the only way to fully recover and have control.
Those who receive Harm Reduction treatment still have substance use, but the goal is to the decrease the plausible harmful effects. Substance usage will have negative effects and Harm reduction treatment limits the damage to the body as much as possible. The treatment methods vary between addiction. Programs offer alternate drugs, clean needles, driver assignments to keep those under the influence off the roads, and other strategies.
Although each person and addiction is different and the right process varies between person, I would advocate for Abstinence for an addicted love one. I think eliminating the temptation and substance from one’s body is the way that will help for overall better health and life. Although the Harm Reduction treatment attempts to reduce the harmful effects of addiction, the person is still permanently damaging their body by using a substance. With drug substitution, despite removing the addictive substance, you are still using some type of drug. Abstinence is not a treatment that will work overnight and will take dedication, vulnerability, and time. Not cutting cold turkey (complete stop of drug), but slowly taking the person off the substance is the better method. Furthermore, it will stop the permanent damage to the body and mind. For those on the drug substitution, I would try to slowly take the person off those drugs to have them become clean as well. Abstinence provides the possibly to eliminate intake.
If you are struggling with addiction, please get help. You CAN overcome this.
References
New Hope Recovery Center. (n.d.). Addiction counseling: Abstinence versus harm reduction. Retrieved from New Hope Recovery Center website: http://www.new-hope-recovery.com/center/2014/07/29/addiction-counseling-abstinence-versus-harm-reduction/