Empowering the disempowered: harm reduction with racial/ethnic minority clients

Abstract

Harm-reduction principles, such as empowerment of clients and goals for moderation, align well with the cultural worldviews of many clients of color. Empirically supported harm-reduction strategies often work well with ethnic minority clients. However, clients of color require special clinical considerations. A case study illustrates the use of the community participatory model, which combines harm reduction, cultural sensitivity, and community support. Treatment services can be provided under one roof to eliminate barriers to seeking and receiving services. Harm-reduction therapists can carefully assess and diagnose clients of color to minimize the potential shortcomings and cultural biases in assessment tools. Therapy will include the family and incorporate traditional practices as desired by clients. Use of these methods will empower and support clients of color as they seek their treatment goals.

Associations between gendered racism, racial identity, and nicotine use among Asian American men

“…At the same time, the results of our study emphasize the importance of intervening to prevent racism from occurring, to preclude Asian American men from overvaluing whiteness compared to their Asian identity in the first place. These efforts to prevent racism may range from active bystander training in the face of racial microaggressions (Sue et al, 2019), encouraging Asian American men to engage with media that promotes self-love for Asian identity (Kuo et al, 2022), or other efforts to upend racism and promote racial justice and healing (Blume & Lovato, 2010).…”