6. HARM REDUCTION
Harm reduction is a strategy to minimize the harm and the social problems to the individual and the community resulting from the use of drugs.
Example:
Encourage the individual not to drive (or operate heavy machinery, climb ) while drinking
Encourage the reduction of intake.
Strategies:
- try not to drink everyday. Give your body a rest. Try to have at least two days every week without alcohol
- eat good food before you drink alcohol
- have water and non-alcoholic drinks in between alcoholic drinks
- drink water when you are thirsty
- drink slowly
- give yourself a limit and count your drinks
- change to low alcohol beer
Talk about the positive things that would come from reducing intake.
- save money
- less hassles from family
- sleep better
- have more energy
- have a clear head
- be less depressed
- lose weight
- better physical shape
- reduce the risk of hypertension, liver disease, brain damage, cancer, accidents