Harm Reduction
/We are in the 2nd month of the New Year . Are your resolutions waxing and waning ? There may be a way of improving your success with your resolutions by “borrowing” a concept from work with addiction. The term is referred to as Harm Reduction ( Tartarsky, 2010). Dr. Tartatsky explains Harm Reduction as a concept used to reduce harmful consequence when engaging in risky behavior or substance use. This concept takes into account one’s individual needs, goals, culture, motivations, and strengths as no two individuals are alike. Why use a Harm Reduction approach …… because it may work. Abstaining from harmful behaviors such as compulsive eating, binge drinking, gambling, compulsive shopping, and substance use may be something that an individual is unable, unwilling, or struggling to do. Harm reduction can also work with behaviors that are not high risk but may be something you have identified you want to change. One technique that Dr. Tartarsky identifies in his book, ‘’ Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: a new treatment for drug and alcohol problems” is URGE SURFING. Urge surfing helps you identify the sensation in the body and have a conversation with the urge by asking some of the following questions:
- What happened just before you had the urge?
- What does it want?
- What does it want to change?
- If it could speak, what might it say?
- Is there a story to tell?
- What part is speaking through the urge?
There are many methods to treat high risk behavior as well as behavior you would like to modify or change. The therapists at, Comprehensive Therapeutic Services (CTS), have the clinical skills to help you reach your desired goals. We can be reached by calling 212-658-0977.
Jackie DeCarlo, MA, LCSW