Harm reduction and diminished drinking in treatment of alcohol use disorders

Background: Indications for therapeutic goals for the treatment of alcohol use disorders, which range from total abstinence, reduced consumption (harm prevention) to "controlled drinking" have been discussed controversially among addiction specialists for many years. Aim: The aim of this statement from "Dachgesellschaft Sucht" is to compile existing empirical findings on these topics and to derive recommendations for practitioners on various therapy goals including abstinence or harm reduction for the patient or client. Representatives of three professional associations ("DG Suchtmedizin", "DG Suchtforschung und Suchttherapie", "Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Suchtpsychologie!) participated in writing this statement. Several research desiderata are named.