In the U.S., abstinence has been the predominant goal of substance use (SU) treatment. At the same time, as with “improvement” outcomes for other health conditions (lowered blood pressure or cholesterol for cardiovascular outcomes) researchers have examined other more pragmatic outcomes, such as reduced use of substances and remission of dependence symptoms. A similar shift has occurred in treatment philosophy, stimulated by outcomes research and harm reduction approaches that consider other outcomes, such as fewer days of drinking or heavy drinking, or reduced drug use.
