Examination of the Attitudes Toward Substance Use Treatment Approaches by Substance Use Professionals

Abstract

This quantitative study focuses on substance use professionals and students who are seeking employment in substance use treatment or support services. Abstinence-based treatment has been and continues to be the primary method of treatment preferred in the United States. Since 1980, harm reduction increased in application in the profession but remains a less popular method of treatment. This study examines substance use professionals and students (N= 141) interested in employment in substance use treatment or support attitudes in harm reduction and whether their beliefs toward these treatment approaches were associated with their personal characteristics. Goddard’s Harm Reduction Acceptability Scale and a demographic survey form were utilized to measure the variables. One-way analysis of variance showed that current and aspiring substance use professionals have favorable attitudes toward harm reduction. The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes in substance use treatment approaches by substance use professionals. Results revealed that the professionals have slightly more favorable attitudes toward the harm reduction treatment approach.