Harm reduction therapy services in Provo, Utah

Written by Drew Redd. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Harm reduction therapy is a pragmatic alternative to conventional addiction treatment. According to a 2017 study published in the Harm Reduction Journal, 73% of clients in medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) programs reported using non-prescribed drugs during treatment. This shows that traditional “just stop using” approaches often fall short.

Those who struggle with traditional approaches to substance use disorders (SUDs) benefit the most from harm reduction therapy because it recognizes that progress often comes in small steps.

As part of our comprehensive drug and alcohol rehab services, we prioritize your well-being and risk reduction over strict abstinence. Our evidence-based, personalized approach empowers you to shape your own path at your own pace to improved health and sobriety.

What is a harm reduction therapy program?

Harm reduction therapy is an approach to treatment that prioritizes minimizing negative consequences associated with high-risk behaviors, rather than demanding immediate abstinence. The core idea of harm reduction philosophy is to meet people where they are, without judgment. Therapists work with clients to reduce harm in whatever ways are feasible for them.

Here are the basics of the harm reduction model:

Change is a gradual process, not an instant transformation.
Progress is valued over perfection. Any positive change is seen as worthwhile.
Clients are empowered to set their own goals for treatment and recovery.
Therapists work collaboratively with clients rather than dictating treatment plans.
Clients are provided with comprehensive information to make informed decisions.
Clients are accepted without judgment, regardless of their current behaviors.
Alongside behavioral changes, underlying issues such as trauma and mental health concerns are addressed.
Open communication builds trust between therapist and client.
Treatment focuses on achieving long-term, sustainable improvements in well-being.

Critics argue it enables dangerous behaviors, but proponents say that harm reduction therapy is more realistic and compassionate than abstinence-only models.

Harm reduction therapy improves addiction treatment

Unlike traditional methods that often demand immediate abstinence, harm reduction therapy takes a more pragmatic and compassionate stance. This approach recognizes the complex nature of addiction and focuses on minimizing negative consequences while supporting individuals on their unique path to recovery.

For example, Logan and Marlatt suggest that workplace harm reduction programs have demonstrated success in reducing binge drinking episodes and improving attitudes toward changing substance use behaviors. Their study also maintains that, in trauma centers, brief harm reduction interventions have significantly reduced substance use and related consequences for patients admitted with substance-related issues.

Here are the advantages of harm reduction therapy in treating addiction:

Clients remain in treatment longer because therapists don’t pressure them to quit immediately.
Overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution directly save lives.
Safer practices improve overall health, even when substance use continues.
Non-judgmental environments encourage patients to communicate more honestly with healthcare providers.
Clients gain confidence and motivation for change by setting their own goals.
Continuous connection to services facilitates easier access to additional support when needed.
Treating addiction as a health issue rather than a moral failing reduces shame and stigma.
Tailoring strategies to each person’s unique needs increases the effectiveness of treatment.
Celebrating small improvements encourages clients to make further positive changes.
Prevention of expensive complications leads to decreased healthcare costs.

Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Our compassionate approach to addiction recovery combines proven therapies with harm reduction principles, meeting you wherever you are in your relationship with substance use.

Ardu offers a range of evidence-based treatments, including medication-assisted therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices, all tailored to your individual needs and goals. Whether you’re seeking to reduce harm, manage your use, or work towards abstinence, Ardu provides a judgment-free space where you can heal, grow, and build the life you want.

Contact our addiction specialists, and take the first step towards a healthier future on your terms.

Our harm reduction principles

Every person’s journey with substance use is unique, and recovery looks different for everyone. Our harm reduction practices are founded on compassion, pragmatism, and respect for personal autonomy. Change is often gradual, and any step towards better health is valuable. Our services meet you where you are, reduce the negative impacts of substance use, and support you in achieving your personal health and life goals.

A 2017 study points to significant gaps in addiction services. Many treatment programs lack proper overdose prevention measures, while harm reduction services are often under-resourced. Ardu addresses these challenges by offering the clients the full spectrum of care they need to navigate their unique recovery journey.

Here’s a look at our core harm reduction services.

Medication-assisted treatment

Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole-patient” approach to treating substance use disorders. We offer:

Subutex (buprenorphine) and Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in opioid addiction treatment. This allows patients to focus on their recovery without the distraction of severe physical discomfort.
Benzodiazepines such as Ativan (lorazepam) and Librium (chlordiazepoxide) to manage anxiety and agitation during alcohol and benzodiazepine detox.
Clonidine to address the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It alleviates anxiety, muscle aches, and sweating, and makes the withdrawal process more manageable.
Hydroxyzine manages both anxiety and nausea during detox, promotes a sense of calm, and reduces physical discomfort.

These medications are fundamental to our harm reduction approach. By alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings, they help patients engage more fully in their treatment, reduce the risk of relapse, and decrease the likelihood of overdose.

Our medical team works closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage. We provide ongoing monitoring and adjustment to maintain the effectiveness of harm reduction practices.

For those requiring a more intensive start to their recovery journey, our medical detox services facilitate a safe and manageable transition away from substance dependence.

Overdose prevention and response

Preventing overdose deaths is central to harm reduction. Our overdose prevention and response program equips you, your loved ones, and our community with life-saving knowledge and tools such as:

Training sessions on recognizing signs of overdose.
Instruction on administering naloxone.
Strategies for safer use to reduce overdose risk.

Our hands-on approach will make you feel confident in responding to an overdose emergency. We cover everything from identifying symptoms to proper naloxone use and emphasize the legal protections for those who intervene.

Knowledge saves lives, and at Ardu, we’re committed to sharing that knowledge.

Harm reduction counseling

Our harm reduction counseling meets you where you are, without judgment. We believe any positive change is valuable, whether your goal is safer use, moderation, or abstinence.

Our counselors work with you to:

Identify personal goals for substance use and overall well-being.
Develop strategies to reduce the negative consequences of the use.
Address underlying issues contributing to substance use.
Build coping skills and resilience.
Improve overall quality of life.

We tailor our approach to your needs, drawing from evidence-based methods such as CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques. Our focus extends beyond substance use to your physical health, relationships, and personal fulfillment.

Holistic health services

We believe that by treating the whole person, not just the addiction, we can support you in creating lasting, positive change in your life. That’s why our holistic approach to recovery recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health. We address the full spectrum of your well-being to support your journey towards healthier substance use and enhance your overall quality of life.

Our comprehensive holistic health services include:

Nutrition counseling: Proper nutrition accelerates recovery. Our dietitians help you develop healthy eating habits that support your physical and mental health.
Mental health screening and support: We provide assessments and referrals for mental health concerns and recognize the frequent co-occurrence of substance use and mental health disorders.
Basic primary care: Regular check-ups and management of chronic conditions are essential parts of your health journey.
Alternative therapies: We offer acupuncture, meditation classes, and yoga therapy to support stress reduction and overall wellness.

This holistic approach aligns with harm reduction principles by addressing the many factors that contribute to or result from substance use. By improving your overall health and well-being, we reduce the negative impacts of substance use and empower you to make positive changes at your own pace.

Experience a fresh start with our holistic detox program. We blend cutting-edge medical care with nourishing meals, stress-busting mindfulness, and engaging therapies to jumpstart your recovery on all fronts—physical, mental, and emotional.

Our harm reduction services empower you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to make positive changes in your life. Reach out to Ardu to discover how our personalized support can lead you on your path to health and sobriety.

Ardu offers a continuum of care

Embarking on a journey to better health isn’t a straight path. That’s why Ardu’s approach to addiction recovery is as flexible and unique as you are. Our system evolves with you, blending harm reduction strategies into every step of your treatment. From your first day with us, we dive deep to understand your story, crafting a personalized plan that might include anything from medical detox to outpatient support, all tailored to your specific needs and goals.

As you progress, we adapt our support to match your changing needs. You might transition from intensive care to partial hospitalization or outpatient programs, so you can apply new skills in real-world settings while maintaining robust support.

Our aftercare planning focuses on relapse prevention and ongoing support. We help you identify triggers and develop practical strategies to manage them, always emphasizing harm reduction over perfect abstinence.

Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why our drug addiction treatment evolves with you. We combine cutting-edge medical support with personalized harm reduction strategies to equip you with the tools to navigate your unique path to wellness.

How to access Ardu’s services

At Ardu Recovery Center, we’ve crafted a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that integrates harm reduction principles throughout our full continuum of care. Whether you’re grappling with substance use, mental health concerns, or both, our experienced team is ready to guide you.

Your journey begins with a thorough assessment. We take the time to understand your unique story and explore your substance use history, mental health, and personal goals. This helps us create a tailored treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your struggles while respecting your individual choices and pace.

For those needing more intensive support, our medical detox program offers a safe, comfortable environment to manage withdrawal symptoms under expert care. As you progress, our inpatient rehab program provides a structured setting where you can focus entirely on your recovery. Harm reduction strategies are woven into every aspect of treatment, from therapy sessions to daily activities.

For those ready for more independence, our outpatient options allow you to apply new strategies in your daily life while maintaining robust support.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards a brighter future, reach out to our admissions team online or via phone (801-872-8480). Together, we’ll create a customized roadmap to recovery that harnesses the power of evidence-based modalities to help you achieve lasting wellness.

“Ardu Recovery Center is undeniably the best substance abuse rehab facility in the state, and my experience there warrants nothing less than five stars. From the moment I walked through their doors, I was met with compassion and understanding from the staff… If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, this is the place to go for compassionate care, effective treatment, and lasting recovery…”

—Beau

 5/5

Drew Redd is the executive director of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Harm reduction therapy FAQ

What is the harm reduction approach in psychology?

The harm reduction approach in psychology is a treatment model that minimizes the negative consequences of substance use and other risky behaviors without requiring complete abstinence. This approach recognizes that substance use disorders are complex and that recovery often involves gradual progress rather than immediate cessation.

The main principles of harm reduction therapy include meeting clients where they are, focusing on positive change, and prioritizing overall health and well-being. Harm reduction interventions may consist of opioid substitution therapy, syringe access programs, overdose prevention education, and safe consumption sites. The goal is to keep people alive and as healthy as possible while they navigate their recovery journey.

What is the harm avoidance theory?

Harm avoidance theory is not directly related to harm reduction in addiction treatment. Rather, it’s a personality trait characterized by excessive worrying, pessimism, shyness, and fearfulness. In the context of substance use, high harm avoidance may contribute to using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism for anxiety.

Harm reduction approaches can be particularly beneficial for individuals with high harm avoidance because they provide a non-judgmental, supportive environment that helps reduce anxiety around seeking treatment.

What are examples of harm reduction in everyday life?

Harm reduction principles extend beyond substance use treatment. Some everyday examples include:

Wearing seat belts to reduce injury risk while driving
Using sunscreen to prevent skin damage
Practicing safe sex to prevent STIs
Designated driver programs to prevent drunk driving
Needle exchange programs for people who inject drugs
Naloxone distribution to prevent opioid overdose deaths
Moderation management for alcohol use
Vaping as an alternative to smoking cigarettes
Supervised consumption sites for reducing drug-related harm
Providing condoms and sexual health education in schools

These strategies minimize potential harms associated with various behaviors without necessarily eliminating the behavior.

What are the symptoms of harm avoidance?

Harm avoidance is a personality trait rather than a clinical diagnosis, so it doesn’t have “symptoms” in the traditional sense. People high in harm avoidance may exhibit:

Excessive worry and anxiety
Pessimism and negative anticipation
Fear of uncertainty
Shyness in social situations
Quick fatigue
Avoidance of risk-taking behaviors
Difficulty making decisions
Sensitivity to criticism
Tendency to ruminate on past negative experiences
Preference for routine and familiarity

In the context of substance use treatment, these traits might make someone more hesitant to seek help or more anxious about the treatment process. That’s why therapists and addiction specialists resort to non-judgmental, supportive approaches such as harm reduction.

What are the stages of the change model and harm reduction?

The stages of change model, developed by Prochaska and DiClemente, aligns with harm reduction principles. It is a framework that describes how individuals modify behavior over time and recognizes that change is a process rather than a single event.

The stages are:

Precontemplation: Not considering change.
Contemplation: Considering change but ambivalent.
Preparation: Planning for change.
Action: Actively making changes.
Maintenance: Sustaining changes.
Relapse: Returning to old behaviors (viewed as a normal part of the process).

Harm reduction approaches can be applied at any stage. For example, in precontemplation, providing education about safer use practices can reduce immediate risks. In action, supporting medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder can help maintain engagement in care.

What is the cycle of relapse?

The cycle of relapse in addiction refers to the process by which individuals may return to substance use after a period of abstinence or reduced use. It typically involves:

Emotional relapse: Negative emotions and poor self-care.
Mental relapse: Cravings and thoughts about using.
Physical relapse: Actually using the substance.

Harm reduction approaches recognize relapse as a normal part of the recovery process rather than a failure. Interventions focus on minimizing the negative consequences of relapse (e.g., overdose prevention), maintaining engagement in care, and learning from the experience to strengthen future coping strategies. This approach can help reduce shame and stigma associated with relapse, encouraging continued progress in recovery.

What is the difference between harm reduction and 12 steps?

Harm reduction and 12-step approaches differ fundamentally in their philosophy and methods.

Harm reduction focuses on minimizing the negative consequences of substance use without requiring abstinence. It uses strategies such as syringe services programs and safe injection sites to reduce health risks for people who use illicit drugs. It emphasizes meeting individuals where they are and supporting any positive change.
12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, promote complete abstinence and follow a structured path to recovery based on spiritual principles.

While harm reduction is grounded in public health and human rights perspectives, 12-step programs often view addiction as a brain disease that requires lifelong management through abstinence and spiritual growth.

What is the difference between harm reduction and abstinence?

Harm reduction and abstinence are distinct approaches to addressing substance use disorders. The harm reduction philosophy accepts that some people may continue to use substances and focuses on minimizing associated risks, such as overdose and infectious disease transmission. It provides sterile syringes, distributes naloxone, and employs a medication-assisted treatment approach to reduce the damaging consequences of drug use.

Abstinence—similarly to the 12-step program—aims for a complete cessation of substance use. Both approaches seek to improve health outcomes, but harm reduction acknowledges the complex nature of addiction and offers support even when abstinence isn’t achievable or desired. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals who aren’t ready or able to stop using, helping to keep them alive and healthier while they navigate their recovery journey.

Resources

Hawk, M., Coulter, R. W. S., Egan, J. E., Fisk, S., Friedman, M. R., Tula, M., & Kinsky, S. (2017). Harm reduction principles for healthcare settings. Harm Reduction Journal, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-017-0196-4

Logan, D. E., & Marlatt, G. A. (2010). Harm Reduction Therapy: A Practice-Friendly Review of Research. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 66(2), 201. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20669