Cars are dangerous but we don't tell people to stop driving cars, instead, we urge people to wear seat belts, and not drink and drive. Harm Reduction is the most practical, successful method aimed at reducing the harm drug and alcohol users do to themselves. Despite the name, The HAMS program also addresses drugs, and has a completely interactive workbook and online meetings, too. Abstinence-only sex ed classes didn't work; so why push the same model on addiction? Alcoholics Anonymous has only has a 5-10% success rate. That's like letting a student failing med school become a doctor. AA and it's other Anonymous cousins are all faith based, meaning they pray at meetings and the steps talk about God, so probably not something everyone is going to latch onto. We're in the middle of a heroin crisis in America and now is not really the time to use a 12-Step-only rehab model guaranteed to fail more than it can help; unfortunately, most U.S. rehabs only teach the steps.
The Alternative Program: HAMS (Harm Reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support)
Online Option: YES