A Harm-Reduction Approach to Addictions

CPD

Handouts

Speakers

Andrew Tatarsky Related seminars and products: 1

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Andrew Tatarsky, PhD, is developer of IHRP and author of Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems. He’s founder and director of the Center for Optimal Living, a treatment and professional training center based on IHRP.

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Program Information

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Objectives

1. Assess how addictive behaviour reflects the interplay of biology, meaning, habit, and social context, and the implications for treatment.

2. Explain why the harm-reduction stance of “meeting people where they are” is essential to effective treatment.

3. Describe seven therapeutic tasks combining relational, CBT, and mindfulness interventions to help people change addictive behaviours.

4. Use strategies to address risky behaviours in session, including Urge Surfing, Unwrapping the Urge, Microanalysis, Embracing Ambivalence, Decisional Balance, and the Ideal Use Plan.

Outline

Introduction

• Addiction as a Dilemma
• Valerie Case Study

Compassionate Pragmatism

• Compassion
• Pragmatism

Harm Reduction Principles

• Curiosity, Respect, Acceptance
• Small Incremental Change
• Collaboration
• Public Health/Medical Harm Reduction

Challenges & Diversity of People with Risky & Addictive Behaviour

• Clinical Challenges
• Limitations in the U.S.
• The Tyranny of “Abstinence-Only”
• Motivational Stages of Change
• Scientific Revolution/Paradigm Shift

Theoretical Models

• Multiple Meanings Model
• Relational Psychoanalysis & Meaning
• Cyclical Psychodynamics
• Psychobiosocial Model

Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy

• Seven Therapeutic Tasks of IHRP

Target Audience

• Psychologists
• Physicians
• Addiction Counselors
• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Nurses
• Behavioral Health Professionals

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