Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a recognized and widely implemented approach that contrasts with abstinence-focused treatment models. Although abstinence is situated within the harm reduction spectrum, it may be perceived as a significant initial step and not necessarily required for students entering treatment for the first time.
Supporting students in reducing their cannabis use and minimizing harm can be an effective pathway to positive change. The therapeutic emphasis should thus be placed on addressing problematic areas in the student's life and collaboratively working toward reduced frequency of cannabis use, with consideration also given to strategies like avoiding high-potency cannabis.
Hear a little bit about Harm reduction on the Rutgers campus.
Keith Murphy
Director of the Alcohol & Other Drugs Program
Considerations for
Harm Reduction
For clinicians in college counseling centers, adopting a harm reduction framework for cannabis use requires careful attention to several core principles. This section distills six essential considerations for effective practice. By focusing on client autonomy, realistic goal setting, a spectrum of change, and other crucial factors, counselors can optimize their support for students seeking healthier relationships with cannabis.
1 Client Led
Client-centered goal setting is a foundational principle of harm reduction. Therapeutic outcomes are optimized when clinicians align with client aspirations, rather than dictating treatment targets.
3 Check Large Change Plans
Clients may sometimes aim for immediate and extensive change; however, while indicative of motivation, excessively ambitious goals can be detrimental if failure ensues from task overload. In such cases, it is therapeutically advisable to propose a baseline change, positioning more considerable change as a desirable outcome that surpasses initial targets.
5 Abstinence
Abstinence may be a suitable goal for some clients seeking to achieve wellness. While certain individuals may readily adopt abstinence initially, others may require a preliminary phase of harm reduction strategies before considering this option.
2 Make a Collaborative Plan
Regularly assess client readiness to reduce cannabis-related harm, focusing on areas like frequency or potency. Clients may have initial preferences for risk reduction strategies, often selecting areas where they anticipate successful change.
4 Harm Reduction as a Spectrum
Framing harm reduction as a spectrum offers a useful perspective. Clients navigate this spectrum according to their individual needs, with options ranging from incremental changes to abstinence. Ultimately, client self-determination dictates the path that best aligns with their pursuit of a more meaningful life.
6 College Recovery
For students recognizing problematic cannabis use and desiring a supportive peer community, collegiate recovery programs can foster a lifestyle aligned with their self-identified values.
Pillars of Harm Reduction - SAMHSA
For college counseling, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a Harm Reduction Framework built on six key pillars. These principles guide our approach by: valuing the lived experiences and worth of students; engaging deeply with the campus community; promoting equity and social justice; offering accessible, voluntary, and confidential support; and ultimately centering positive change as defined by the individual student, acknowledging various paths to wellness.
Learn more about SAMHSA Harm Reduction Framework