Empowering the disempowered: harm reduction with racial/ethnic minority clients.
Harm-reduction principles, such as empowerment of clients and goals for moderation, align well with the cultural worldviews of many clients of color. Empirically supported harm-reduction strategies often work well with ethnic minority clients. However, clients of color require special clinical considerations. A case study illustrates the use of the community participatory model, which combines harm reduction, cultural sensitivity, and community support. Treatment services can be provided under one roof to eliminate barriers to seeking and receiving services. Harm-reduction therapists can carefully assess and diagnose clients of color to minimize the potential shortcomings and cultural biases in assessment tools. Therapy will include the family and incorporate traditional practices as desired by clients. Use of these methods will empower and support clients of color as they seek their treatment goals.
Blume
Arthur W
AW
Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223-0001, USA. awblume@uncc.edu
Lovato
Laura V
LV
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D040261:Harm Reduction; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D008913:Minority Groups; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000208:ethnology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control