What is the difference between abstinence and harm-reduction programs?
• Abstinence-based programs, in terms of addiction services, require total avoidance of all chemical substances (not medically prescribed and necessary). Harm-reduction programs may advocate behaviour change to reduce either the chemical intake itself or its consequences, such as reducing the number of drinks/uses per day, the number of days per week that a person drinks/uses or the negative results from substance use. **NOTE** ADTC is an abstinence based programming agency, although we do accept stable clients taking mental health medications as prescribed.
