In harm-reduction CCAR, what is the stance on abstinence?

• A. Aims for immediate abstinence in all clients.
• B. Meet clients where they are and support regardless of abstinence status.
• C. Abstinence is the only acceptable outcome and must be achieved before any support.
• D. Abstinence status determines eligibility for all services.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that harm-reduction CCAR centers on meeting people where they are and offering support without requiring abstinence. This approach treats abstinence as a potential goal, not a prerequisite for getting help. By focusing on reducing harm and improving safety now—through things like safer-use guidance, overdose prevention, connections to treatment options when the client is ready, and nonjudgmental coaching—recovery becomes a process the client can engage with at their own pace. This stance helps build trust and access, which can lead to change over time. Choices that require immediate abstinence or use abstinence status to gate services create barriers and don’t align with harm-reduction principles.