“Patt Denning and Jeannie Little are true heroes when it comes to treating people with addiction problems. Anyone who cares about this subject—or is living through it—should read this superb book.”

—Johann Hari, author of Chasing the Scream


“A highly informative, practical, passionate, and moving guide. Harm reduction focuses on the ways you may be using substances to cope with personal problems—and how you can find better solutions. The stories in these pages are reminders of the power of the human spirit.”

—A. Tom Horvath, PhD, ABPP, President, Practical Recovery, San Diego, California


“If you want to change your drug or alcohol use, read this book! The authors are pioneers in the field of harm reduction and they provide a wonderfully clear and useful guide to how to do it.”

—Maia Szalavitz, author of Unbroken Brain


“Denning and Little have long been at the forefront of the harm reduction movement, and they keep the momentum going and cover all the important bases with this updated edition. This book provides meaningful information and choices instead of one-size-fits-all advice.”

—Anne M. Fletcher, MS, RDN, author of Inside Rehab and Sober for Good


“After years of struggling with more traditional attempts at recovery, I found this book. What a treasure! I don’t know what I would do without the simple, straightforward skills these authors teach.”

—Joshua M., San Francisco


“In this welcome update of a classic, Denning and Little show how harm reduction entails accepting people—including yourself—exactly as they are. Now even more practical, this step-by-step, gently reader-friendly guide helps you lessen the harmful impact of drugs or drinking in your life.”

—Gabor Maté, MD, author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction


“This empowering, hope-inspiring book invites you to chart your own path—at your own pace—toward positive change. If you are looking for an evidence-based, helpful, and effective resource for drug and alcohol users, this is it!”

—Terry Morris, Director, Syringe Access Services and 6th Street Harm Reduction Center, San Francisco AIDS Foundation


“Invaluable and up to date. I highly recommend this book to any alcohol or drug user who is questioning whether and how to make changes.”

—Katie Witkiewitz, PhD, Regents' Professor, Department of Psychology and Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions, University of New Mexico


“Over the Influence has been a big help.”

—Ron S., San Francisco


“The book offers many beautiful suggestions for handling life.”

—Paul R., San Francisco