Defining Relapse from a Harm Reduction Perspective

In the treatment of addictions, engaging in any substance use following treatment is often viewed as a treatment failure. This paper provides theoretical and empirical support for a harm reduction approach to the evaluation of treatment outcomes. Such an approach focuses on consequences associated with the post-treatment drinking, without using rigid definitions of "success" or "failure." Harm reduction approaches to alcohol treatment are introduced and recommendations for future research and social work practice are provided. (C) 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.