Nonpharmacological harm-reduction interventions in British substance-misuse services.
The present study was designed to assess the acceptability and availability of harm-reduction interventions, including needle exchange, education regarding safer drug-ingestion methods, complementary/alternative therapies, and safe places where problem drinkers and drug takers may stay after consumption or may consume substances on the premises. We surveyed a nationwide sample of agencies listed in directories of substance-abuse services in England, Wales, and Scotland. Seventy percent (436 of 623 eligible agencies) returned questionnaires. Except for the provision of a safe place where clients could consume their own alcohol and drugs, large majorities of responding agencies rated these harm-reduction options as somewhat or completely acceptable, but only harm-reduction education and alternative therapies were available from a majority of responding agencies.
Rosenberg
Harold
H
Psychology Department, Bowling Green State University, OH 43403, USA. hrosenb@bgnet.bgsu.edu
Melville
John
J
McLean
P C
PC
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D040261:Harm Reduction; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D018671:Needle-Exchange Programs / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012309:Risk-Taking; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom