New Q&A Discussing Traditional Disease Model and Harm Reduction Model Live on InYourRightMind.com

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "In Your Right Mind," a weekly behavioral health radio program that features in-depth roundtable discussions of today's behavioral health headlines, is pleased to announce a new Q&A feature that's now live on InYourRightMind.com: "Interview: Cyndi Turner discusses two opposing models in addiction treatment." The interview with Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC, a co-founder and clinical director at Insight Into Action Therapy, compares the traditional disease model and harm reduction model in addiction treatment.

"Abstinence does not work for everyone with [substance use disorders] SUDs," says Ms. Turner. "We now look at SUDs on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe. Only people who are on the severe end of the spectrum tend to be physically dependent and need to stop using completely. Regarding alcohol use, only 6 percent of the population is severe enough to be called alcoholic."

Ms. Turner continues to state, "A much larger percentage — 22 percent or about 90 million people – are struggling with a mild to moderate alcohol use disorder, yet the majority of treatment is geared for people who are severe. … There is another type of harm reduction treatment that may be better for them: alcohol moderation."

When asked how harm reduction differs from an abstinence-based treatment approach, Ms. Turner answered, "The traditional approach for addiction treatment has been complete abstinence from all nonprescription, mood-altering substances combined with 12-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Harm reduction treatment is for people who are unwilling or unable to stop their chemical use. It is an individualized approach that works to reduce the negative consequences of substance use."

For those who would like to follow the broadcast, the show will be available on demand at www.InYourRightMind.com. For questions, contact [email protected].

About "In Your Right Mind"

"In Your Right Mind" is a weekly behavioral health radio show that covers various topics each week, including mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and addiction/dual diagnosis disorders. Dr. Tonmoy Sharma, CEO of Sovereign Health, and Kristina Kuestner, Program Producer, are the hosts of the show. In addition, each program will feature guest speakers throughout the United States participating in a roundtable discussion about headlines in behavioral health. The mission of "In Your Right Mind" is to raise awareness about behavioral health issues that get people talking. The hour-long show airs every Sunday at 5 p.m. on Talk Radio 790 KABC Los Angeles. "In Your Right Mind" is produced in conjunction with Sovereign Health, a leading national provider of behavioral health treatment services. For more information, visit www.inyourrightmind.com.

SOURCE In Your Right Mind