Behavioral Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder: Using Harm Reduction as a Path Forward

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains pervasive and a significant public health concern. Excessive alcohol use was responsible for about 178,000 deaths in the United States each year from 2020–2021 — 488 deaths per day — a 29% increase from 2017. Despite the availability of evidence-based practices to address AUD, treatment engagement remains low. Barriers to service can include social stigma and lack of knowledge on available treatment options. Enhancing motivation in tandem with harm reduction strategies is key to engagement in care and lessening the risks and consequences of alcohol consumption.

Join us Aug. 22, from 1-2 p.m. ET, for the PCSS-MAUD webinar Behavioral Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder: Using Harm Reduction as a Path Forward, to learn more about the use of harm reduction strategies with AUD, and techniques to enhance motivation. You’ll hear perspectives from two experts who have used harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques to reduce alcohol use.

Educational Objectives:

• Describe the current state of AUD and barriers to treatment.
• Discuss the evolution of harm reduction services.
• Review harm reduction techniques for AUD.
• Examine the benefits of motivational interviewing and stages of change for AUD.

The webinar will feature:

• Pam Pietruszewski, MA, Senior Advisor, National Council for Mental Wellbeing; National Motivational Interviewing Trainer, Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network
• Kelly Ramsey, MD, MPH, MA, FACP, FASAM, Addiction Medicine and Harm Reduction Consultant

Funding for this initiative was made possible by cooperative agreement No. 1H79TI086771-01 from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.