What is the difference between an abstinence approach and a harm-reduction approach to treatment?

The goal of an abstinence based treatment approach is for the individual to abstain from (or stop) using alcohol and other drugs altogether.  A harm reduction approach to treatment recognizes that abstinence may not be the best or most realistic option for an individual seeking help.  A harm reduction approach is an evidenced based practice used to minimize risk, harm, and consequences of one’s alcohol/substance use or other addictive behaviors through education and empowering the individual.  While sobriety might be the end result or one’s ultimate goal, a harm reduction model accepts an individual where he/she/they are at and does not stigmatize them for their substance use or other addictive behaviors.

Do you provide mandated services?

The only mandated (or required) services that we provide on a consistent basis are the Track 3 psychoeducational sessions for students who have violated Temple’s Student Code of Conduct.  All other requests for mandated services are considered on a case-by-case basis.  Some factors involved in making a determination include:

Are we realistically able to accommodate your request?

For example:
How many sessions are you required to complete? 
What is deadline for completion?
Are you required to complete a specific type of evaluation or program?
Must your intervention/evaluation be provided by a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor?
Do you have personal goals for your treatment?

Do your psychiatrists prescribe medication to assist with recovery?

For some students, the use of medications can assist in the recovery process.  Our psychiatrists are available to evaluate students for the use of medication such as buprenorphine (Suboxone, Zubsolv), naltrexone (Vivitrol), acamprosate (Campral) and other medications approved to assist in recovery.  A psychiatric evaluation may also be useful for students who have psychiatric symptoms.  Co-occurring psychiatric disorders are common in students with substance use disorders.  A psychiatric evaluation can help determine if symptoms are related to the substance use or another psychiatric disorder.  In cases of psychiatric disorders, psychiatrists can discuss medication options with the student.  In those discussions, the student's recovery is always taken into consideration and medications with abuse potential (e.g. benzodiazepines, hypnotics) are avoided.