Harm Reduction

Quitting alcohol completely can be hard -- getting control over it is easier.

That is an example of harm reduction, a term that a UK doctor came up with in the 1980's. It refers to anything that helps a patient improve their health, and it recognizes that using less of something can accomplish exactly that. 

An increasing number of people understand that addiction can be complicated, and each person is different. When we look at how effective  different alcohol treatments are it used to be that only total perfection was considered successful.  That is starting to change.

In my opinion a person who goes from eight drinks at the average Friday night get-together to only four drinks should be encouraged and supported.

Instead, they often hear language like:  "It looks like you are still drinking."

But people:    1. might have different goals

                         2. have different patterns of drinking

                         3. have different explanations of why they drink (I am not saying people's explanations are always accurate!)

                         4. don't want to give up their friends or family members just because alcohol will be consumed at social events or certain venues

                         5. believe that when they are in control, rather than the alcohol being in control, they are more likely to achieve their goals

I am Dr Richard Andrews.  If you are 18 or older and you are in Texas you can schedule your own virtual telemedicine appointment with me right from this website. If we agree that you might benefit from using naltrexone as needed (also known as the Sinclair Method) I can send the prescription directly to your pharmacy.

If you are under 18 or are not in Texas you still might benefit from this or another alcohol treatment, and there are many doctors who can evaluate and care for you. I recommend you use your search engine (such as Firefox, Google or other) to look for "alcohol treatment", "adolescent", and/or the name of your state or country. You can also use a map app on your phone looking for alcohol treatment near me.

[see my separate section on the Sinclair Method for more details of the medication naltrexone and how it is used]

What is harm reduction for alcohol use?

Harm reduction doesn’t look at alcohol consumption as a black-and-white issue with abstinence being the only answer. Instead, Dr. Andrews accepts where you are in your addiction journey and offers tools and strategies to help you reduce potential damage from drinking.

His goals for harm reduction include:

• Reducing how much (and how often) you drink
• Preventing alcohol poisoning and other acute risks
• Minimizing long-term health damage like liver disease and cognitive decline
• Improving your mental health and quality of life
• Encouraging safer drinking behaviors and environments

This approach is rooted in compassion and practicality. Dr. Andrews prioritizes improvement over perfection.

What are the signs someone needs harm reduction?

Not everyone who drinks needs harm reduction, but concerning signs include:

• Frequent binge drinking
• Regular blackouts or memory lapses after drinking
• Physical symptoms such as withdrawal shakes, sweating, or nausea when not drinking
• Increased tolerance
• Negative consequences like strained relationships, legal trouble, or work issues due to alcohol use
• Inability to moderate drinking
• Underlying mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression) worsened by alcohol use

You may not be ready to quit drinking entirely, but Dr. Andrews can help you reduce the risks of alcohol dependence. With the convenience of telehealth, adults throughout Texas can access compassionate care backed by the most up-to-date research in harm reduction.

What does a harm reduction plan look like?

Dr. Andrews offers evidence-based medical options, including naltrexone in pill form. This FDA-approved medication reduces your cravings for alcohol and helps you stay in control.

He may recommend you take it daily or only before drinking (also called the Sinclair Method). This helps you gradually consume less and avoid getting stuck in dangerous cycles of dependence.

Since alcohol addiction often coexists with mental health disorders, Dr. Andrews may recommend support groups or therapy options to address concerns like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or trauma.

Harm reduction respects your individual choices and aims to support incremental change with medications, medical monitoring, and safer drinking strategies. No matter where you are on your recovery path, talk to Dr. Andrews to discuss a safer, healthier relationship with alcohol.

Get the care and support you deserve to protect your current and future health. Schedule a telehealth appointment with Dr. Andrews by booking online today.