Harm Reduction Approaches with Adolescents Who Use Substances

A compassionate, evidence-based guide for working with teens, families, and communities

Harm Reduction Approaches with Adolescents Who Use Substances introduces harm reduction as a practical and developmentally informed way to address substance use among teens. Co-authored by Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW, and Barry Lessin, M.Ed., CAADC, the book offers a clear, research-based framework that replaces stigma and fear with honesty, empathy, and collaboration.

Designed for graduate students, clinicians, educators, and parents, it blends science, clinical insight, and real-world examples to help professionals and families meet young people where they are — with understanding and respect.

About the Book

Adolescent substance use is complex, influenced by development, environment, and experience. This book helps readers understand those complexities and engage in supportive, nonjudgmental conversations that promote safety and well-being.

Through a mix of conceptual discussion, case studies, and classroom exercises, the authors show how harm reduction principles can be applied across therapy, education, and family systems to reduce risk and foster meaningful change.

Key topics include:

• The history and philosophy of harm reduction
• Understanding adolescent development and motivation
• Integrating harm reduction into counseling and family therapy
• Trauma-informed care and communication strategies
• Practical exercises for classrooms and clinical training

Endorsements

'This is a book that will lower parental anxieties and help teens engage in honest

conversations about drug use. Lessin and Reiman have taken science and clinical wisdom

to develop their IDEA structure- a collaborative conversation that places the complexity

of teen drug use in the context of normal adolescent development.’

— Patt Denning, PhD, Director of Clinical Services and Training, Harm Reduction Therapy Center

'This book finally provides the much-needed response to the question that harm

reductionists are asked every day: "But what about the kids?" In this comprehensive book,

Reiman and Lessin provide families, providers, and communities with a framework with

which to understand why young people use drugs and how to support them to make

safer choices.’
— Sheila P. Vakharia, PhD, MSW, author of The Harm Reduction Gap

sAbout the Authors

Barry Lessin, M.Ed., CAADC
Barry is a therapist, educator, and advocate specializing in adolescent and family therapy, substance use, and harm reduction. He is co-founder of Families for Sensible Drug Policy (FSDP) and has worked for more than four decades helping young people and families navigate the challenges of substance use and mental health. His private practice is based in the Philadelphia area. Learn more at www.barrylessin.com.

Amanda Reiman, PhD, MSW
Amanda is a researcher, educator, and policy expert in harm reduction and drug policy reform. Her work bridges public health, community education, and evidence-based policy, promoting a compassionate understanding of substance use and recovery.

Pre-Order the Book

Harm Reduction Approaches with Adolescents Who Use Substances will be released in November 2025 by Routledge and is available now for pre-order on Amazon.

Nov 2025: 164pp 6 B/W illustrations Pb:

978-1-032-94084-7 $68.99

Hb: 978-1-032-94826-3 $180