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Harm reduction
is a pragmatic approach which accepts that the use of drugs
is a common and enduring feature of human experience. It recognises
that containment and reduction of drug related harms is a
more realistic option than efforts to eliminate drug use entirely.
Workers
are often required to develop new ways of thinking about clients
and the therapeutic relationship to tolerate such an approach.
These new ways of thinking can offer important tools for reaching
clients and for improving treatment outcomes. The spread of
blood borne virus throughout the drug using community and
beyond only acts to further encourage a harm reduction approach.
This one
day course will enable individuals to consider such an approach,
the reasoning behind it and confidently engage clients in
a therapeutic relationship which allows a client the option
of continuing drug use.
Aims:
- Analyse
statistical evidence which supports such an approach
- Examine
harm reduction and its principles
- Discuss
blood borne virus
- Develop
awareness of routes of transmition of disease
- To
confidently and competently engage with substance misusers
who continue drug use
- Consider
best practice in harm reduction
- Be
able to advise and refer individuals to appropriate services
Course
Learning Outcomes
By the
end of the day delegates will know how to:
- Apply
the principles of harm reduction when working with clients
- Actively
engage clients who continue to use drugs in a therapeutic
relationship
- Develop
best practice within their service
National
Occupational Standards
This course links to the following units:
AA1, AB2, AB5, HSC233, HSC311, HSC33, HSC330,
Who
should attend?
Individuals and volunteers whose work brings them into contact
with drug users in a variety of settings, who wish to increase
their skills and knowledge around harm reduction issues and
the spread of communicable disease, including developing both
personal skills and the service in which they work.
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