User:Pork Chop Tze/HAMS Harm Reduction Network

The HAMS Harm Reduction Network is an international non-profit organization which provides assistance to individuals seeking to reduce the harm in their lives associated with the use of alcohol or other substances. The acronym HAMS stands for Harm reduction, Abstinence and Moderation Support. HAMS provides both information and support groups for people who wish to change their drinking for the better. The approach used is pragmatic and humanistic. HAMS works from the premise that whereas many individuals are unwilling or unable to abstain from alcohol, anyone can learn to practice safer drinking habits and thus reduce the negative impact that their use of alcohol has on themselves and society at large

The HAMS program encourages members to do a Cost Benefit Analysis of their drinking and to choose a goal of safer drinking, reduced drinking, or quitting. Members are encouraged to chart their progress and report it in groups. HAMS methodology is based on both Prochaska's Stages of Change Model evidence-based harm reduction practices such as those described by Denning and Marlatt. HAMS was incorporated in the state of New York in 2007.

REFERENCES

Denning P., Little J., Glickman A. (2004). Over the influence the harm reduction guide for managing drugs and alcohol. New York: Guilford Press.

Marlatt G. (1998). Harm reduction: pragmatic strategies for managing high risk behaviors. New York: Guilford Press

Prochaska J. O., Norcross J. C., DiClemente C. C. (1994). Changing for good. New York: Morrow.

External links http://hamsnetwork.org