Over The Influence (the Harm Reduction Guide To Controlling Your Drug And Alcohol Use)

"Just say no" just doesn''t work for everyone. If you''ve tried to quit and failed, simply want to cut down, or wish to work toward sobriety gradually, join the many thousands of readers who have turned to this empathic, science-based resource--now thoroughly revised.

"Just say no" just doesn''t work for everyone. If you''ve tried to quit and failed, simply want to cut down, or wish to work toward sobriety gradually, join the many thousands of readers who have turned to this empathic, science-based resource--now thoroughly revised. A powerful alternative to abstinence-only treatments, harm reduction helps you set and meet your own goals for gaining control over alcohol and drugs. Step by step, the expert authors guide you to determine:

*Which aspects of your habits may be harmful.
*How to protect your safety and make informed choices.
*What changes you would like to make.
*How to put your intentions into action.
*When it''s time to seek help--and where to turn.

Updated to reflect a decade''s worth of research, the fully revised second edition is even more practical. It features additional vivid stories and concrete examples, engaging graphics, new worksheets (which you can download and print for repeated use), "Self-Reflection" boxes, and more.

Mental health professionals, see also the authors'' Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Second Edition.

Introduction: Why Harm Reduction?
1. Welcome to Harm Reduction
2. Why Do People Use Drugs?
3. When Is Drug Use Harmful?
4. Why Do Some People Get into Trouble While Others Don''t?
5. How Do I Know If I Am in Trouble?
6. How People Change
7. You Don''t Have to Quit to Change
8. Substance Use Management
9. Taking Care of Yourself While Still Using
10. How Can I Tell If Harm Reduction Is Working?
11. Finding the Right Help
12. A Letter to Family and Friends of People Who Use Drugs
What You Should Know about Drugs: A Quick Reference
Resources

"Patt Denning and Jeannie Little are true heroes when it comes to treating people with addiction problems. Anyone who cares about this subject--or is living through it--should read this superb book."--Johann Hari, author of Chasing the Scream

"A highly informative, practical, passionate, and moving guide. Harm reduction focuses on the ways you may be using substances to cope with personal problems--and how you can find better solutions. The stories in these pages are reminders of the power of the human spirit."--A. Tom Horvath, PhD, ABPP, President, Practical Recovery, San Diego, California

“If you want to change your drug or alcohol use, read this book! The authors are pioneers in the field of harm reduction and they provide a wonderfully clear and useful guide to how to do it."--Maia Szalavitz, author of Unbroken Brain

“Denning and Little have long been at the forefront of the harm reduction movement, and they keep the momentum going and cover all the important bases with this updated edition. This book provides meaningful information and choices instead of one-size-fits-all advice."--Anne M. Fletcher, MS, RDN, author of Inside Rehab and Sober for Good

“After years of struggling with more traditional attempts at recovery, I found this book. What a treasure! I don’t know what I would do without the simple, straightforward skills these authors teach.”--Joshua M., San Francisco

"In this welcome update of a classic, Denning and Little show how harm reduction entails accepting people--including yourself--exactly as they are. Now even more practical, this step-by-step, gently reader-friendly guide helps