Over the Influence : The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol

Rating:
Summary: Revolutionary New Approach to Drug Treatment
Review: Anyone troubled by drug or alcohol use but not interested in cold turkey, all or nothing approaches to such problems, really ought to take a good look at Dr. Patt Denning's "Over the Influence: The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol." Denning and co-authors Jeannie Little and Adina Glickman address substance use in terms of the interplay between the individual and a variety of social, emotional and biochemical factors. The complexity of this framework does much to influence the kind of relationship that same individual might have with substances considered terminally toxic in other treatment circles.

At the heart of this mode of treatment is the notion that people use drugs for particular reasons that may well be obscured in recovery programs where complete cessation of drug use is a condition of treatment. Denning and other harm reduction therapists adhere to the principle that people who use are capable of doing so sensibly, modifying conduct in ways that reduce harm to themselves and others.

Drawing on forty years of clinical experience and addressed to the general public, "Over The Influence" offers a valuable discussion of drugs and other substances along with a review of various psychological and social considerations that enter into patterns of usage. This revolutionary book presents new options in thinking about drugs. It is a must-read for those involved in legal, educational, and personal questions of substance use or misuse.

Anyone troubled by drug or alcohol use but not interested in cold turkey, all or nothing approaches to such problems, really ought to take a good look at Dr. Patt Denning's "Over the Influence: The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol." Denning and co-authors Jeannie Little and Adina Glickman address substance use in terms of the interplay between the individual and a variety of social, emotional and biochemical factors. The complexity of this framework does much to influence the kind of relationship that same individual might have with substances considered terminally toxic in other treatment circles.

At the heart of this mode of treatment is the notion that people use drugs for particular reasons that may well be obscured in recovery programs where complete cessation of drug use is a condition of treatment. Denning and other harm reduction therapists adhere to the principle that people who use are capable of doing so sensibly, modifying conduct in ways that reduce harm to themselves and others.

Drawing on forty years of clinical experience and addressed to the general public, "Over The Influence" offers a valuable discussion of drugs and other substances along with a review of various psychological and social considerations that enter into patterns of usage. This revolutionary book presents new options in thinking about drugs. It is a must-read for those involved in legal, educational, and simply personal questions of substance use or misuse.

Rating:
Summary: How to take good care of yourself, even if you use drugs
Review: Are you concerned about your alcohol and/or drug use, but not sure if you are ready to quit? Over the Influence offers a step-by-step guide to understanding your relationship with drugs and alcohol and deciding what, if anything, to change. The authors use a matter-of-fact, empathic tone and emphasize the importance of knowing yourself and knowing your drugs so that you can make the best possible choices. This isn't an easy way out - "just say know" substance use management is at least as demanding as "just say no" abstinence. The authors acknowledge that people use drugs for a reason, and don't ask you to deny the benefits of use while recognizing the harm that it may be causing. Included are basic facts about the most popular drugs (including alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine) and hints for using them in the least harmful way, if you choose to continue use. There are also chapters on taking care of yourself while still using, finding the right help, determining if harm reduction is working, and talking about harm reduction with family and friends. The overall message is that any positive change is better than nothing, and that you deserve to take care of yourself as well as you can even if you continue to use substances. Reviewed by Deborah Van Horn for Amazon.com, 7/25/04.