Harm Reduction Model

In combining sociological, harm reduction, and transtheoretical I am able to utilize each theories strengths and neutralize any shortcomings. Harm reduction model somewhat expands upon traditional treatment programs, reduces societal cost of drug use and addiction, and reduces moral judgment (Moro & Burson, 2017). Unfortunately, harm reduction only touches on symptoms, not underlying issues and fails to challenge the client’s rationale or thinking (Moro & Burson, 2017). In addition, harm reduction appears as an enabling mechanism catered toward creating excuses for the client (Moro & Burson, 2017). Interestingly enough, the transtheoretical model is the “first measurable linear, and functional description of how people change” (Gutierrez &
Czerny, 2017, p. 211). Also, the theory’s design allows it to integrate well with other theories and the accuracy of the research behind the theory (Gutierrez & Czerny, 2017). Personally, the major shortcomings are it doesn’t explore the past, it is difficult to distinguish between stages, and the stages are easy to misjudge (Gutierrez & Czerny, 2017). While both theories fail to examine the past sociological theory’s transferability across diverse cultures and emphasis on social framework grants the counselor deeper understanding of the underlying issues (Lamberson, 2017). Sadly, it doesn’t provide direct interventions and cannot stand on its own (Lamberson, 2017).