Over the Influence, Second Edition 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. 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.

Patt Denning, PhD, is Director of Clinical Services and Training at the Harm Reduction Therapy Center (HRTC) in San Francisco, which she founded with Jeannie Little in 2000. HRTC provides a full range of harm reduction treatment services and trains hundreds of professionals each year. Widely recognized as an expert on drug treatment and dual diagnosis, Dr. Denning is one of the main developers of harm reduction psychotherapy. She is a Diplomate Fellow in psychopharmacology and a certified addiction specialist through the American Psychological Association's College of Professional Psychology. With Jeannie Little, she is coauthor of Over the Influence, Second Edition (for the general public), and Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Second Edition (for mental health professionals).
 
Jeannie Little, LCSW, is Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Therapy Center (HRTC) in San Francisco, which she founded with Patt Denning in 2000. HRTC provides a full range of harm reduction treatment services and trains hundreds of professionals each year. Ms. Little is a certified group psychotherapist who specializes in group treatment of substance use disorders and dual diagnosis. With Patt Denning, she is coauthor of Over the Influence, Second Edition (for the general public), and Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Second Edition (for mental health professionals).
 

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