Breaking the cycle of addiction is both possible and challenging, but even just rethinking your relationship with it can be a powerful first step toward change.

Offering an alternative to strict abstinence models is Kristin Dempsey, the author of The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction, who invites you to reconsider your approach to addiction, offering a tangible, compassionate, and science-backed method of recovery known as harm reduction. 

Through reflective listening, motivational interviewing, curiosity, and "change talk," Kristin talks to Michael about just a few of these helpful strategies for reassessing your relationship with addictive substances (and even other areas of your life) and navigating change in a way that feels both supportive and sustainable. 

Kristin L. Dempsey, EdD, LMFT, LPCC, is a psychotherapist, counselor educator, and trainer. For thirty years, she has supported individuals with exploring their own relationships to substances. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and has been privileged to provide motivational interviewing (MI) training to thousands of people in behavioral health, primary care, public health, school, corrections, and human services organizations.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices