The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction - by Kristin L Dempsey (Paperback)

About the Book

Change doesn't have to happen overnight--it can happen at your own pace. A powerful alternative to "abstinence-only" approaches, the "harm reduction" model outlined in this evidence-based workbook draws on practices from motivational interviewing (MI) to help readers explore their relationship with substance abuse, and find the inspiration needed to move forward and create an individualized recovery plan.

Book Synopsis

Is it time for a change? This evidence-based workbook will help you reevaluate your relationship with addictive substances, and offers a powerful alternative to "abstinence-only" approaches.

Do you feel like you're drinking too much or using too much, but you don't necessarily want to give it up for good? A powerful alternative to "abstinence-only" approaches, the "harm reduction" model outlined in this evidence-based workbook draws on practices from motivational interviewing (MI) to help you explore your relationship with substance abuse, and find the motivation needed to create an individualized recovery plan.

In The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction, you'll find skills-based exercises to help you focus on self-reflection; identify your strengths; discover common "life themes," values, and goals; and explore different reasons you may have for change. Most importantly, you'll find the tools needed to create your own "action plan" for moving forward and changing your relationship to substances.

This workbook will help you:

• Explore your relationship to substance abuse
• Identify your strengths, values, and goals
• Find your own motivations to change

Change doesn't have to happen overnight--it can happen at your own pace. If you're ready to transform your relationship with addictive substances and change your life for the better, this workbook can help you get started now.

Review Quotes

"The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction is a clearly written, eminently practical guide to help anyone struggling with substance use issues to find a starting place to make progress in change. It offers accessible 'self-help' tools in every chapter so that readers can work by themselves, or use the workbook as a supplement to more formal treatment. I highly recommend Dempsey's excellent work, whether for individuals or treatment providers."
--Kenneth Minkoff, MD, community and addiction psychiatrist; VP of ZiaPartners in Tucson, AZ; and international expert in integrated recovery-oriented services for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders--Kenneth Minkoff, MD

"As someone dedicated to supporting recovery, I enthusiastically endorse Kristin Dempsey's The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction. This book is invaluable for individuals seeking recovery and clinicians searching for effective tools to guide their clients."
--Suzzette Garcia, licensed therapist, addiction counseling specialist, and past president of the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors--Suzzette Garcia

"Change can be difficult, particularly when it comes to substance use. This workbook offers you a way forward that is personalized to your life, your experience, and your history. Rather than one-size-fits-all messaging or harsh judgments meant to shame you to change, you can apply this flexible and practical workbook to navigate the challenges you will encounter along your journey toward health and fulfillment."
--Sebastian G. Kaplan, PhD, associate professor at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, cohost of the Talking To Change podcast, and coauthor of Motivational Interviewing in Schools--Sebastian G. Kaplan, PhD

"If you are wondering how to change your relationship with substances, this book is for you. This simple-to-follow guide invites you to explore and understand what works best for you, and supports you to decide when you are ready to do things differently. With the science of self-change, this book has a loving heart."
--Glenn Hinds, BA(Hons), DipSW, independent training consultant, counselor, and cohost of the Talking To Change podcast--Glenn Hinds, BA(Hons), DipSW

"Kristin Dempsey's workbook radiates hope for individuals grappling with substance use challenges. Through a compassionate harm reduction lens, this guide offers tangible strategies, inspiring not only recovery but also growth. Illuminating the path of self-discovery, it's a beacon of optimism and empowerment, essential for individuals and caregivers alike seeking a brighter, more fulfilling journey of healing."
--Christie Cline, MD, MBA, CEO at ZiaPartners, Inc.; and past psychiatric medical director for the State of New Mexico Department of Health, Behavioral Health Services Division--Christie Cline, MD, MBA

"This book is an important addition to the growing literature on harm reduction-informed treatment. Following the principles, techniques, and spirit of motivational interviewing (MI), Dempsy helps people develop self-compassion, self-knowledge, and smart and clear goals to reduce drug-related harm. Numerous journal-like exercises help readers stay focused and build to a commitment to change--or not to."
--Patt Denning, PhD, cofounder and former director of clinical services and training at the Harm Reduction Therapy Center; and coauthor of Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy--Patt Denning, PhD

"What a gem! Kristin Dempsey has served up a compassionate, safe, and thoughtful place for deeply exploring our relationship with substances--and ourselves. If you are someone who feels alone, doesn't like being told what to do, thinks about your own reasons and abilities for how you want to live your life, or if you simply relish the space and time to think for yourself, this is the resource for you!"
--Ali Hall, JD, owner of Ali Hall Training and Consulting; member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT); and MINT-certified trainer--Ali Hall, JD

About the Author

Kristin L. Dempsey, EdD, LMFT, LPCC, is a psychotherapist, counselor educator, and trainer. For thirty years, she has supported individuals with exploring their own relationships to substances. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), and has been privileged to provide motivational interviewing (MI) training to thousands of people in behavioral health, primary care, public health, school, corrections, and human services organizations.

Foreword writer Dee-Dee Stout, MA, is a member of MINT, and a founding member of the Northern California Association of Harm Reduction Therapists & Providers. Stout has more than thirty-five years' experience in the field of addiction, and is author of Coming to Harm Reduction Kicking and Screaming.