The Substance of Harm Reduction: A Framework for Youth Supportive Recovery
Date
2026-11-26
Authors
Rhodes, Lewis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lewis Rhodes
Abstract
This master's research project develops the Harm Reduction Recovery for Youth
(HRR-Y) framework, a structured practice framework integrating harm reduction and
recovery-oriented care within a residential substance use program for youth aged 15 to 21 at
Threshold Housing Society’s Supportive Recovery Program (SRP). Using qualitative data
from staff interviews and daily logs, the project translates frontline staff expertise into a
six-tier framework spanning relational residential care, recovery programming, behavioural
interventions, medication protocols, substance substitution, and supervised safer use. Each
tier of interventions plays an important role in supporting residents to manage their substance
use. Positioned within the context of British Columbia’s ongoing toxic drug crisis and a
contentious policy landscape, the framework advances youth substance use supports by
combining harm reduction and recovery principles with therapeutic residential care. This
framework could be further strengthened by incorporating youth voices in future research,
additional iterative opportunities for staff-led refinement, and conducting outcome
evaluations.
Description
Keywords
harm reduction, recovery, supportive recovery, addiction, child and youth care