Table 6 General harm reduction questions (n = 67)
Item | N | % |
|---|---|---|
Definitions of harm reduction | Â | Â |
   reducing harm from substance use I incurred by the individual by reducing or eliminating the use of that substance | 3 | 4.5 |
   reducing the harm from substance use incurred by the individual and reducing their use of that substance | 6 | 9.0 |
   reducing the harm from substance use incurred by the individual without necessarily reducing their use of that substance | 16 | 23.9 |
   reducing the harm associated with substance use to the community or society as a whole | 8 | 11.9 |
   don't know | 3 | 4.5 |
   Other | 36 | 53.7 |
   reducing the harm associated with substance use | 7 | 10.4 |
Most important elements of harm reduction | Â | Â |
   disease reduction | 4 | 6.0 |
   empowering the client | 7 | 10.4 |
   improving the quality of life of client | 4 | 6.0 |
   reducing negative consequences associated with drug/alcohol use | 1 | 1.5 |
   flexibility/options | 7 | 10.4 |
   education/awareness on the part of the client | 13 | 19.4 |
   education/awareness on the part of the community | 8 | 11.9 |
   client choice | 11 | 16.4 |
   empathy | 5 | 7.5 |
   accurate assessment | 2 | 3.0 |
   don't know | 3 | 4.5 |
   Other | 40 | 59.7 |
Most appealing aspects of harm reduction | Â | Â |
   disease reduction | 6 | 9.0 |
   reduced health costs | 2 | 3.0 |
   May provide a gateway/bridge into treatment | 6 | 9.0 |
   it's more palatable to clients than abstinence | 6 | 9.0 |
   client choice | 16 | 23.9 |
   it's nonjudgmental | 13 | 19.4 |
   it's client centered | 14 | 20.9 |
   it's appropriate for some clients | 3 | 4.5 |
   it's pragmatic/practical | 9 | 13.4 |
   it provides flexibility/options | 7 | 10.4 |
   it empowers the client | 8 | 11.9 |
   don't know | 1 | 1.5 |
   Other | 24 | 35.8 |
Most troubling aspects of harm reduction | Â | Â |
   it's not appropriate for or in the best interest of all clients | 14 | 20.9 |
   it's often misunderstood and misapplied | 14 | 20.9 |
   it creates moral and ethical dilemmas for the community | 2 | 3.0 |
   it creates moral and ethical dilemmas for the therapist | 8 | 11.9 |
   negative public attitudes | 4 | 6.0 |
   it's difficult to use illicit drugs safely | 2 | 3.0 |
   abstinence is better | 7 | 10.4 |
   harm reduction should be accompanied by counseling | 2 | 3.0 |
   don't know | 2 | 3.0 |
   Other | 38 | 56.7 |
| Â | Mean | Â |
On a scale from 0 to 10 with 0 = "not at all favorable" and 10 = "extremely favorable," how would you feel about helping some alcohol/drug abusers use substances more safely without necessarily trying to reduce their use of these substances? | 6.51 | Â |