Anderson - How to Change Your Drinking a Harm Reduction Guide to Alcohol 2nd edition

"HAMS is a person-to-person, grass roots effort to translate into ground-level reality the often abstract claims made by what has become the major reform movement in drug (less so alcohol) policy and (less often) treatment - harm reduction. The truth is that people struggle over their lifetimes to reduce problems associated with substance use and abuse; that few human beings abstain completely and permanently (even among those claiming to do so under the auspices of AA and rehab); yet nonetheless most make improvements in their lives and substance use. NOTHING WE CAN DO by passing laws, trying to herd every substance abuser into treatment, or admonishing high school students never to drink or to take drugs can change this larger human reality. In fact, the reverse is true, and the need to recognize the extent of substance use and abuse in our society increases rapidly, and more people require realistic, harm reduction oriented help. This is not a popular - even an acceptable - truism in the United States, despite ample evidence every day that our larger political and public health policies are meaningless, or worse, counterproductive.

"HAMS is for the large majority of substance users who have problems who remain unserved by our current Alice In Wonderland approaches. The often unacknowledged, majority."

--Stanton Peele, Ph.D., J.D.

Author of The Diseasing of America

http://www.peele.net

http://www.stgregoryctr.com

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"Harm reduction programs:

" How to Change Your Drinking presents 17 elements (not steps) from which readers can choose to use in their program of harm reduction. The many supporting chapters are short and reader-friendly but based on solid research.

"This handbook is pragmatic and excellent."

--David J. Hanson, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus of Sociology, SUNY, Potsdam.

Web site - Alcohol: Problems & Solutions

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj

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"In the world of one-size-fits-all treatment programs for alcohol problems, Kenneth Anderson's book is unique in offering a veritable smorgasbord of choices--everything from safe drinking strategies to cognitive and behavior therapies to naltrexone and The Sinclair Method and more. Mr. Anderson is to be applauded for making a host of options available to people who have been failed by more conventional treatment approaches. Because of its wide scope, I believe that this book should be required reading for psychologists, nurses, medical students, families, 'alcoholics' and substance abuse therapists, family practitioners, and law enforcement officials."

--Roy Eskapa, Ph.D.

Author of The Cure for Alcoholism

http://thecureforalcoholism.com

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"Ken Anderson's book is an excellent and refreshing resource for those wishing to successfully modify their drinking and/or avoid the life-killing programs that now pass for 'treatment' in the U.S. Not only does the material reflect the actual research, but it also debunks the AA/12 Step myths that have dominated our culture to the extent that intelligent people have nowhere to turn for help. I am happy to recommend this book to anyone looking to educate and inform themselves, spouses, family members and friends."

--Edward W. Wilson, Ph.D.

Program Director

Non 12-Step

http://www.non12step.com

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"Finally! A comprehensive, user friendly, intelligent look at reducing the risks associated with alcohol use from a Harm Reduction perspective. Every aspect, including history, myths and facts, physical/emotional manifestations of alcohol use, and of course, harm reduction theory and action steps toward minimizing negative effects, recovery and beyond. Take your timethis manual reads like a work book and can be one of your most important references on this topic. This has also become mandatory reading for all of our direct services staff and a reference for participant discussion. Well worth adding it to your library."

--Raquel Algarin, Executive Director

Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center

http://www.leshrc.org

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How To Change Your Drinking:

A Harm Reduction Guide To Alcohol

2nd Edition

by

Kenneth Anderson, MA

Executive Director - The HAMS Harm Reduction Network

Copyright 2010 - The HAMS Harm Reduction Network

PO Box 498

New York, NY 10012

http://hamsnetwork.org

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from The HAMS Harm Reduction Network. The only exceptions are short excerpts which may be used by reviewers or scholars.

To the memory of Andi Emerson who inspired me with the courage to go it on my own, and to Electra Weeks for always being there

If you are a drinker who is looking for a change in your use/abuse of alcohol, this is the book for you. Ken Anderson (himself a former problem drinker) and The HAMS Harm Reduction Network have provided us with a helpful manual telling us how to follow through on whatever choice we make about changing our drinking behavior: either to give it up altogether (abstinence), to enhance moderate drinking, and/or to practice harm reduction strategies to avoid negative consequences of excessive drinking. As such, this manual is similar to a driver's training program for safety on the road (whether to slow down, drive safely, or get off the road altogether).

Most people with drinking problems are similar to drivers who end up at an intersection on the highway: the traffic light can be Green (keep drinking at your usual speed), Red (stop drinking), or Yellow (slow down and proceed with caution). Most alcohol treatment programs show nothing but Stop signs, and drinkers are confronted if they run the Red light.

The Yellow light represents a harm reduction, middle-of-the road approach that gives the driver a signal to Yield, given the risks involved of not stopping. Drivers get to take caution and proceed with safety for themselves and other drivers at the intersection.

Readers will be guided in how to make the right choice in terms of choosing your new drinking goal and learning new coping strategies to keep on track and follow the safe road. You will always have control over the choices you make, and this manual will give you the skills and direction you need to make a safe trip. Happy travels.

G. Alan Marlatt, PhD

Professor and Director

Addictive Behaviors Research Center

University of Washington

Seattle, WA

HARM REDUCTION

Two small, gallant words. Simple, easy to understand.

HARM REDUCTION

Lets see. What kind of harm might we want to reduce?

The harm from driving a car? (seatbelt and helmet laws)

The harm from global warming? (emission standards)

The harm from childhood illnesses? (vaccinations and well baby clinics)

The harm from tooth decay? (fluoride in the water supply)

The harm from icy sidewalks? (salt, sand, or shovel)

The harm from alcohol and drug use? NOW HOLD ON A MINUTE!!

HARM REDUCTION

All of a sudden these two words have become the enemy, the symbol of an irresponsible, nearly evil, intent to cause harm to people. Because the media bombards us, everyone now knows that the only way to reduce harm from alcohol and other drugs is to Just Say No! Of course, alcohol is legal again, so it must be relatively safe. So were not quite so sure about how harmful it is. Tobacco is legal too, but its not very good for us. Hmm. This is getting confusing