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= __Harm Reduction Versus Abstinence __ =

Harm reduction and abstinence have a common goal, which is to help people reduce the harm within the activities they are involved in. However, harm reduction allows people to choose, while abstinence does not (Dell, 2008). If a person does not have choice, and is pushed to abstinence by a family member or court order, they will most likely go back to drug use. Harm reduction may be the only solution for someone with an addictive disorder, because it is transitional. Abstinence is generally the final goal for most drug users, but not the initial one (Grinstead, 2009). Abstinence can be very terrifying for some, and potentially dangerous. Results from a Harvard study states that the impact and importance of addiction, is different for every person. Which could result in the goal of abstinence never being accomplished (Drug addiction treatment, 2010).