Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren Psychological Association (SHWPA)
A Psychologist's Guide to Alcohol Moderation and Harm Reduction
Presented by
Arnold M. Washton, Ph.D.
Live Webinar on Friday November 4, 2022
9:15 to 12:45 - 15 Break at 11:00
3 Continuing Education Credits
Participants attending this skills-training workshop will come away with an extensive toolbox of evidence-based alcohol moderation and harm reduction strategies they can apply immediately in psychotherapy practice. Research shows that most people who drink "too much" are not alcoholics and that many can learn how to moderate their drinking within safer limits rather than quit drinking completely. An alternative to traditional abstinence-only approaches, the harm reduction framework described in this workshop supports incremental change and individualized treatment goals including less risky/harmful drinking, moderate drinking, and abstinence. It incorporates cognitive-behavioral, motivational, mindfulness, psycho-dynamic, and pharmacological interventions. A basic tenet of the harm reduction is that any steps taken to reduce negative consequences associated with substance use are steps in the right direction, whether or not abstinence is the immediate or ultimate goal.
Participants of this workshop will learn how to help clients take a closer look at their alcohol use, set realistic goals, change their drinking patterns, and acquire a better understanding the role and meaning of alcohol use in their lives. The presentation will include lecture material highlighted by numerous case examples.
Learning Objectives. Participants who attend this presentation will be able to:
1. Explain the rationale and empirical support for alcohol moderation and harm reduction
2. Describe the value of an experiment with abstinence as a staging ground for moderation
3. List ten useful tips that clients can use to reduce and moderate their drinking
4. List the medications most commonly used to reinforce moderation or abstinence
Instruction Level: Intermediate
Dr. M Washton, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist (NJ Lic No. 3574) and book author specializing in the
treatment of substance use and other behavioral health problems since 1975. He is the co-founder of the
Washton Group, a private practice in Princeton, NJ and New York City.
Dr. M Washton does not have any commercial support and/or conflict of interest for this program.
ADA accommodations available upon written request, by emailing Virginia Walters, Psy.D., no later than October 31, 2022.
Program Fee: SHWPA Member: $30, Non-SHWPA Member $40, Student: $15,
Online registration and Payment can be made at shwpa.org OR by mailing a check payable to SHWPA
to Tracy Menzie P.O. Box 644 Lebanon, NJ 08833
Continuing Education Credit / Administrative Fee for 3 credits (an additional fee), can be paid to
NJPA online after this program. NJPA Fees: Sustaining Member – Free, NJPA Member - $15,
Non-NJPA Member - $25. The NJPA Link to pay and complete the NJPA evaluation will be provided to all registrants during the program.
Contact Virginia Walters, Psy.D. 908-439-3456 X8 / cfmcfee@embarqmail.com
This workshop is co-sponsored by NJPA and SHWPA. NJPA is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. NJPA maintains responsibility for the program and its content.