Harm Reduction
What does harm reduction focus on?
Reducing risks and making safer choices.
What does abstinence mean?
Completely stopping substance use.
Is driving under the influence a safe choice?
No
Shame usually makes recovery easier or harder?
Harder
Finish the sentence: “Recovery is not…”
All or nothing
True or False: Harm reduction means someone has failed recovery.
False
What does harm reduction mean?
Reducing risks and making safer choices, even if someone is not fully sober yet.
Name one safer coping skill instead of acting on impulse.
Examples: deep breathing, talking to staff, journaling, walking away, grounding skills.
What emotion often causes people to hide struggles?
Shame
What is one small safer step someone could take this week?
Any realistic safer choice.
What is one example of harm reduction?
Examples: not driving under the influence, asking for help, avoiding mixing substances, using coping skills first.
Can someone use harm reduction while working toward sobriety?
Yes
Why is using alone considered risky?
Because there is nobody there to help in an emergency.
Why might someone avoid asking for help?
Fear of judgment, embarrassment, shame, fear of consequences.
True or False: Small changes still matter.
True
Why can harm reduction help people feel safer talking honestly?
Because it reduces shame and judgment.
Which approach focuses on gradual change instead of perfection?
Harm reduction.
What is one benefit of asking for help before things escalate?
It can prevent unsafe decisions or emotional spirals.
What is healthier: progress or perfection?
Progress
What does black-and-white thinking sound like?
If I mess up once, I failed,” “I’m either perfect or terrible
What kind of thinking does harm reduction challenge?
“All-or-nothing” or black-and-white thinking.
Why might harm reduction feel more realistic for some people?
Because change can happen step-by-step instead of all at once.
What are two ways peers can influence risky behavior?
Pressure, normalization, encouragement, access to substances, etc.
How can support from others help recovery?
It reduces isolation and helps people feel understood and accountable.
What is the biggest message of harm reduction?
Any step toward safety and health matters