This is a question that many people are asking, especially in light of the opioid epidemic that is currently gripping the nation. At La Jolla Recovery, we believe in implementing all the necessary modalities and resources to meet clients where they are at. No matter setbacks, substance or behavior, understanding the biology and psychology of substance use disorder lets us provide a way to be compassionate, caring and welcoming to clients no matter their progress or setbacks without judgement.
What is harm reduction?
Harm Reduction Treatment
Harm reduction is a set of strategies and practices that aim to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use.
It can be implemented in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: drug education, medication-assisted treatment, and treatment, among other services.
Attending opiate treatment through science
Opiate treatment with medication assisted treatment
One fundamental way to practice harm reduction is through treatment for opioid use disorder.
Harm reduction treatment typically involves using medications like methadone and buprenorphine, which can help people struggling with addiction manage their symptoms safely and effectively.
Recovery from opioid addiction is possible, and treatment can be essential. At La Jolla Recovery, we take opiate addictions such as fentanyl, morphine, and heroin seriously. Detoxing from these opiates requires clinical supervision, a professional understanding of the withdrawal, medication-assisted treatment such as Narcan, and long-term attention for sustainable recovery.
At La Jolla Recovery rehabs, we pride ourselves on using science to correctly detox opiates such as heroin and fentanyl from the body. We pay attention and offer comprehensive inpatient treatment and aftercare healing phases.
Therapies such as medication-assisted treatment, CBT, DBT, and ACT make it possible to attend SUD with science and outcomes, as well as provide a safe and non-judgmental environment, which is vital to flourishing and healing. It is not uncommon for opiate addiction to be paired with other addictions, such as alcohol. We attend to unique chemical dependencies and detoxing appropriately with clinical supervision. For families concerned about these challenges, we also support family healing.
What Is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction is a public health approach that aims to lower the risks of drug and alcohol use, such as overdose and infection, without requiring a person to stop using first. It meets people where they are, treats them with dignity and keeps the door open to treatment. At La Jolla Recovery in San Diego, harm reduction thinking sits alongside medical detox, residential care, PHP, IOP and outpatient treatment.
| Harm reduction | Abstinence-based treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Lower immediate risks and keep people alive and connected to care | Stop alcohol and drug use and build a life in recovery |
| Starting point | Wherever the person is today, including if they are still using | A decision to stop, often beginning with medical detox |
| Common examples | Overdose education, overdose-reversal medication, FDA-approved medication support for opioid use disorder, honest conversations without judgment | Detox, residential treatment, PHP, IOP, outpatient therapy, aftercare |
| How they connect | They are not opposites. Many people start with safer choices and move toward treatment when they are ready; a setback in treatment is met with support, not judgment. | |
Harm Reduction Frequently Asked Questions
What is harm reduction in addiction treatment?
It is a set of practical strategies that reduce the negative effects of substance use, such as overdose, while respecting the person’s own goals. In a treatment setting it means compassionate, non-judgmental care, FDA-approved medication support where appropriate, and planning for safety if a setback happens.
Is harm reduction the same as medication-assisted treatment?
No. Medication-assisted treatment is one tool that fits within harm reduction. Harm reduction is the broader approach; medication support for opioid or alcohol use disorder, combined with counseling, is one evidence-based way to put it into practice.
Does harm reduction mean a program accepts ongoing drug use?
No. It means a person is not turned away or shamed for where they are today. The clinical team still works with each person toward stability and, for most people in treatment, toward stopping use.
Is “California sober” a form of harm reduction?
Some people describe it that way, but it is a personal choice rather than a clinical plan. We explain the term in what “California sober” means.
How do I get help in San Diego?
La Jolla Recovery is accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the California DHCS. You can verify your insurance or read about medication-assisted treatment. If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988.
Experience scientific approaches to opiate treatment in San Diego, California
Learn more about harm reduction and the scientific attention opiate treatment at La Jolla Recovery
Contact Us Today