What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction is a treatment ideology. It is a way to approach how we treat addiction or other problematic behaviors. We know that change is difficult, and that lasting change is a process. We don’t expect you to dramatically change a pattern or behavior right away. We never want to set anyone up for failure. We strive to be realistic and encouraging. When we use harm reduction we celebrate any positive change. We work to help you identify your goals, and put steps in place to meet those goals over time. We never tell you what to do, or what is best for you. We are here to help you decide which direction you would like to go. We want you to feel safe, confident, informed, and fulfilled in your choices
Harm reduction is a treatment ideology. It is a way to approach how we treat addiction or other problematic behaviors. We know that change is difficult, and that lasting change is a process. We don’t expect you to dramatically change a pattern or behavior right away. We never want to set anyone up for failure. We strive to be realistic and encouraging. When we use harm reduction we celebrate any positive change. We work to help you identify your goals, and put steps in place to meet those goals over time. We never tell you what to do, or what is best for you. We are here to help you decide which direction you would like to go. We want you to feel safe, confident, informed, and fulfilled in your choices
Is harm reduction right for me?
Here are some questions to consider to help determine if a harm reduction approach to addiction is right for you:
-Have you tried to cut back or stop your substance use on your own without success?
-Do friends or family members think you have an addiction or substance abuse problem, but you don’t think so?
-Do you want to stop using drugs or alcohol, but can’t imagine your life without it?
-Is your drug or alcohol use causing problems in relationships, work, or health?
-Have other treatment approaches, such as inpatient treatment, or self help, such as AA, been unsuccessful in helping you stop using drugs or alcohol?
-Do you feel embarrassed or ashamed of your drug or alcohol use?
What to expect in harm reduction treatment?
We understand that first a foremost human beings are complex. We will work to understand you, and your unique perspectives and experiences. We will do our best to help you understand yourself. It will be up to you to identify your goals, but we will help by asking questions, and providing feedback on what we hear and observe. We will encourage and support you. We might make suggestions or offer alternative perspectives, but ultimately you make your own decisions.
We understand that first a foremost human beings are complex. We will work to understand you, and your unique perspectives and experiences. We will do our best to help you understand yourself. It will be up to you to identify your goals, but we will help by asking questions, and providing feedback on what we hear and observe. We will encourage and support you. We might make suggestions or offer alternative perspectives, but ultimately you make your own decisions.
Harm reduction treatment - how we can help
You may feel pressured by family members or loved ones to stop using your substance of choice altogether. Most treatment centers require complete abstinence from any substances. Harm reduction does not require abstinence. If stopping the use of substances is your goal we are happy to help you achieve that. Alternatively, we can help with setting goals and taking action to change your patterns of use if abstinence isn’t something you want to pursue. We can help with tools to minimize the problems you may be experiencing as a result of your substance use. What you put into your body is your decision, we will not judge. We will work to support you so that you make the most informed choices for yourself.
2302 W North Ave. #1E Chicago, IL 60647
(312)869-4492
[email protected]
In the smallest of steps taken toward counteracting indigenous invisibility, we acknowledge that our office sits on land stolen from the people of the Council of the Three Fires: Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi, as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, and Fox.
This land does not belong to us.