Literature Review: Examining Harm Reduction Approaches for Alcoholism within the Chronically Homeless Population

Abstinence-based treatment models have been ineffective for the chronically homeless population suffering from alcohol use disorder. Recently, harm reduction approaches have become increasingly popular among the homeless population. Commonly known approaches that follow a harm reduction model are needle exchange programs and housing first. In this paper, I reviewed four harm reduction approaches; managed alcohol programs, housing first, naltrexone, and motivational interviewing. Specifically, these programs in relation to treating individuals who suffer from chronic homelessness and alcohol use disorder. I gathered studies on these programs and evaluated the overall effectiveness of reducing harm.