Abstinence is the act of not indulging in something; it is usually pleasurable, but it might have negative consequences in terms of finances, health, or time management.
Anyone can abstain from something by refusing to engage in actions that include it. Someone who is abstaining from cigarettes, for example, would not smoke any cigarettes at all. Abstinence in addiction recovery often refers to not using alcohol or drugs or engaging in certain behaviours.
While most addiction treatment programmes emphasise abstinence as a crucial aspect of recovery, certain models do not view recovery as an all-or-nothing proposition. Some specialists believe that a push for complete abstinence, especially in the case of alcohol rehabilitation, is less effective than a harm-reduction approach.
Addiction is a personal issue, and so should be the approach to treatment. Abstinence is a popular technique, although some people also suggest moderation.
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Reducing consumption to a moderate or so-called safe or acceptable level is known as moderation. Moderation could be defined as the ability to enjoy a drink with friends without overindulging and becoming inebriated. Moderation is defined as having one glass of wine with supper on Friday nights and not consuming it during the week.
Nobody needs to remind you that they are tired of your addictive conduct since you have already experienced enough consequences in your daily life. They only need to take a few steps to assist people. If you’re just getting started with your moderation management programme, it may take some time to choose whether or not to refrain from substance abuse until it becomes ingrained in your heart. Accept that there is just one option available to you. Choosing something that is actually meaningful to you is not the same as just wanting to accomplish something. It would help if you made this moderation management decision.
Recovery from addiction is a very personal path, and different solutions work for other people. Abstinence and harm reduction are the most frequent but very different recovery philosophies. A brief summary of each of these approaches follows.
Abstinence-based recovery has been practised for millennia, long before addiction was recognised as a disease. This recovery attitude expects an individual to entirely cease using alcohol and other substances as part of the treatment process. The concept of abstinence is linked to the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) programme, which emphasises complete abstinence as a cornerstone. As a foundation of its programme, AA principles include the themes of powerlessness, spirituality, and family participation. For many years, addiction treatment programmes collaborated (and many still do) with AA and other 12-step programmes, with attendance at meetings frequently required as part of therapy. Anyone adhering to this recovery approach is supposed to abstain from using any and all mind-altering substances.
The assumption behind abstinence-based addiction treatment is that there is no “safe” quantity of alcohol or drug usage for people in recovery. Addiction is seen as a chronic illness that cannot be healed, with relapse always a possibility. Individual and group therapy are frequently used as part of the treatment process. The importance of community support is emphasised, and participation at Alcoholics Anonymus or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings is strongly encouraged, if not compulsory. Abstinence programmes frequently contain physical, social, and spiritual well-being components, such as regular workouts or church attendance. This type of programme is intended to replace a person’s “bad habits” with more pleasant activities.
One of the most common objections to abstinence treatment is that it is generally centred on faith, and not everyone is comfortable with a spiritual focus. The opposition also points to the rigour of these programmes, which will release people from treatment if they do not maintain abstinence or do not attend meetings. This appears to be at odds with the common perception of addiction, which holds that relapse is a normal part of the recovery process. Abstinence-based programmes frequently have a pre-determined recovery process rather than a tailored treatment that meets people where they are in their recovery journey.
When an individual is not ready to commit to abstinence, harm reduction is a concept that focuses on educating individuals about safer substance use. The harm reduction concept acknowledges the reality of substance use. Still, instead of penalising drug users, it focuses on reducing the adverse effects of substance use through educating individuals about safer consumption techniques.
Harm reduction became popular when government officials in Europe were looking for ways to tackle the increasing HIV pandemic in the 1980s. As a result, needle exchange programmes and methadone therapy for opiate addiction were created. The opioid epidemic, which has resulted in a considerable increase in overdose deaths in the United States, has prompted a surge in medication-assisted therapies (MAT). Using MAT in an opiate and alcohol addiction harm reduction treatment strategy can drastically reduce overdose mortality. Rather than condemning drug users, the harm reduction approach proposes that we devote time and resources to reducing the negative consequences of their activities.
The first step in harm reduction is safety, which focuses on maintaining control over the situation while medicines are used. This focus includes not drinking or using drugs while driving; preventing overdoses by being aware of the signs of an overdose and having naloxone on hand to administer if necessary; testing drugs for Fentanyl using testing strips before use; and reducing disease transmission through dirty needles.
The second phase in the harm reduction paradigm concentrates on reducing the amount and frequency of alcohol or drug usage. This type of harm reduction uses meetings and online resources to emphasise self-accountability and peer support.
One of the most common complaints of harm reduction is that it requires people to be honest with their peers and with themselves. It is not uncommon for people to underestimate how much they consume. It is the responsibility of each individual to be aware of and maintain their own path. The harm reduction method has also been chastised because it does not help people avoid using illegal substances and does not teach patients how to manage their pain without them.
The best therapeutic philosophy is still up for debate in the therapy and rehabilitation community. It is entirely based on the demands of the individual and is the one that will be followed in the long run. It’s critical for someone seeking drug or alcohol addiction treatment to meet with a behavioural therapist or counsellor to determine their specific needs. Even if a person isn’t ready for complete abstinence, harm reduction is an excellent place to start when it comes to seeking treatment and making positive adjustments that can lead to safer and healthier choices.
The first programme dedicated to treating addiction, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), was founded on the principle of complete abstinence from alcohol. Those who created the 12-step programme for Alcoholics Anonymous truly felt that alcoholism was a condition that people were born with, rather than a condition that developed in response to alcohol exposure, and that any drinking was a complete failure on the part of the “alcoholic.” As a result, abstinence has a long history as a foundational notion for rehabilitation.
Some sectors in the addictions industry consider abstinence to be such a rigid, all-or-nothing strategy that it is impracticable for many people who want to stop engaging in addictive behaviour.
Addiction professionals and people seeking help for addictive behaviours, are sometimes encouraged to declare whether they believe in abstinence or harm reduction because the two approaches are mutually contradictory. Some specialists believe that abstinence is unnecessary and that some people can transition from binge drinking to moderate drinking. This has created a divide between treatment methods that demand abstinence and those that do not.
Individuals who are not physically dependent or addicted may benefit from moderation. If someone tends to drink excessively but can adjust their lifestyle to lessen their drinking, that may be enough for them. This is true for those in the early stages of alcohol misuse who identify as binge drinkers or have just begun to have greater long-term physical, mental, or financial problems due to their substance use.
Abstinence is a more effective treatment and recovery technique for someone who is actually addicted. Abstinence also helps people addicted to illegal narcotics like heroin avoid legal problems.
Drug or alcohol addiction — not just overuse but true chemical dependency — is not a harmful habit that can be broken solely through willpower. It’s a chronic ailment, and abstinence is frequently prescribed as part of the treatment plan.
Relapse, or returning to addictive behaviours after a period of sobriety, is a substantial danger for most people in addiction recovery. Moderation Management, sometimes known as ‘harm reduction,’ is a treatment approach that follows a different logic.
Addicts and individuals with harmful chemical dependencies can attain recovery while occasionally indulging in mind-altering substances, according to those who believe in the moderation technique.
On the other hand, moderation in recovery is frowned upon by many in the treatment field. It is commonly viewed as a slippery slope that leads back into the cycle of dependency, which is supported by empirical evidence.
Abstinence-based techniques are becoming increasingly untenable as behavioural addictions become more widely recognised. For example, because everyone needs to eat, abstinence from eating is impossible—though some adherents of abstinence-based systems believe that specific foods should be avoided entirely.
Abstinence-based treatments are difficult to treat for exercise addiction, sex addiction, and shopping addiction.
Even among supporters of moderation and regulated techniques, abstinence has a place for certain individuals who are prone to relapse, for whom any addictive activity would be harmful, or for specific stages in the recovery process.
Most addicts are unable to successfully manage their substance usage without complete sobriety. They probably wouldn’t be addicted if they could. Furthermore, many addictive substances, such as narcotics and alcohol, reduce inhibition. Individuals who consume even modest amounts of these substances can lose control over how much they use them. Abstinence helps the brain reset itself, giving them a better chance of recovering completely.
Abstinence is beneficial to the recovery process from addiction because:
All forms of temptation are removed. Occasionally using drugs and consuming moderate amounts of alcohol keeps the door to substance abuse open. This may appear innocuous, but people who are addicted have lost control over their drug or alcohol usage. Allowing children a few substances can easily lead to a need for more. Some people may switch from one substance or addiction to another. Because the whole process of moderation might be complex, giving up a substance entirely is usually easier. Trying to control your consumption can feel like an endless punishment and jeopardise your recovery.
Establishes explicit recovery objectives. A substance-free life is one of the ultimate goals of rehabilitation. Moderation stalls this aim by allowing people to keep using addictive substances, which can lead to misunderstanding. Individuals will need to continue to reduce their consumption of substances even after they have effectively reduced their intake. On the other hand, Abstinence creates a defined and measurable recovery goal: no addictive substance usage. While taking the leap may be challenging at first, people who understand what is required of them can rise to the occasion.
Encourages people to seek professional help for their addiction. Individuals who use the moderation strategy may believe they have control over how much and how often they take addictive substances. Unfortunately, this may deter individuals from seeking help. Complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol might help people understand how much they’ve come to “need” and rely on them. Recognising this can help them understand the importance of expert addiction therapy.
Lowers the chances of relapse. Attempting to limit how much people drink or use can unintentionally lead to relapse. Individuals who are trying to consume drugs less frequently, for example, may increase their dosage. Others, especially those who are not enrolled in a professional treatment programme, may drink less alcohol more regularly. This may enhance their chances of relapsing.
Furthermore, ingesting fewer drugs can lower a person’s tolerance for their chosen substance. Individuals will require less of the chemical to achieve the same high as before. Individuals who are ignorant of this risk may overdose by taking the same amount of substance they did previously. On the other hand, Abstinence trains people to avoid addictive drugs entirely, lowering their chances of relapse.
Shows what it’s like to be sober for a long time. When someone recovers from addiction, the substance that formerly ruled them no longer does. Long-term abstinence is one of the most effective methods to demonstrate that a substance no longer has power over you. Being sober involves more than not being inebriated. Sobriety also includes being prudent and sombre. The substance may nonetheless influence individuals who moderate their drug and alcohol consumption. Furthermore, due to the impacts of drugs and alcohol, such as diminished inhibition, they are not as sensible as they could be when they are using. Abstinence depicts a genuine vision of long-term sobriety: a substance-free, bright, and successful life.
Relapsing into addictive behaviour after treatment is all too typical, according to Psychology Today, with 70-90% of people in recovery experiencing at least one relapse into addictive behaviour.
Individuals with substance misuse disorders confront a continual danger of relapse, and acceptance of the Abstinence technique is the most effective strategy to prepare for the ongoing challenges of sobriety. Abstinence may appear intimidating for a newcomer to a recovery programme who wants ‘one last drink and/or high,’ yet it is immensely successful when followed.
Professional treatment resources are the most significant aspect for people who want to achieve long-term sobriety. Studies show that if an addict seeks treatment at some time, they are much more likely to achieve lifelong abstinence. According to the US National Library of Medicine’s National Institute of Health, 56.1% of people who started abusing alcohol 20 years ago who sought treatment at some time were abstinent, compared to 24.5% of people who were never treated.
The evidence suggests that recovery is possible if the appropriate steps are taken. Those battling alcohol or drug addiction should seek professional therapy and abstain from all mood-altering substances to successfully recover.
Relapse is a typical occurrence due to the difficulty of overcoming addiction. Do not be discouraged by this. Relapse is a natural part of the recovery process for many addicts who must fight it. Your objective is to become substance-free in the long run, but you may not be able to do so immediately following treatment. That’s OK. Simply get back up and try again. Continue to try until treatment results in a complete and total recovery.
Some treatment programs focus on complete abstinence as a means of recovery from addiction.
AA pioneered a comprehensive and supportive approach to abstinence as part of addiction therapy. This is a worldwide initiative that connects people struggling with alcoholism with others who are dealing with or have dealt with similar challenges.
AA meetings, the original success story for the 12-step programme that has become a model for many treatment choices, can be open to anybody. Some meetings are specifically designed for individuals who are related to or close to alcoholics.
Narcotics Anonymous is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, however, it is oriented toward drug addicts. While NA programmes can be completed in formal treatment, individuals can also locate and attend community meetings for free outside of rehab.
The programmes are handled in strict confidence, which is vital for those seeking treatment for illegal substance addiction.
This refers to any 12-step drug rehabilitation or addiction counselling programme.
Individuals seeking recovery from addiction admit their powerlessness over drugs or alcohol in the first stage. When someone lacks control over something, they are unable to govern how they use it.
Traditionally, 12-step programmes have been based on the idea of God or a higher force assisting people in their quest for sobriety.
Pagans in Recovery is a concept that removes the Judeo-Christian vocabulary and assumptions, allowing anyone, regardless of faith, to pursue abstinence and substance abuse treatment.
The Forward Trust is another name for this organisation. It’s a British nonprofit that helps inmates refrain from both substance misuse and criminality, particularly those with a history of addiction or drug involvement. The programme works with people in jails and communities around the United Kingdom.
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Even if there is considerable debate among professionals in the behavioural health and addiction fields, many agree that total abstinence is typically a requirement for recovering addicts.
The fact that a person who is chemically dependent on a substance can’t always manage their demand for it is one of the reasons for this. Allowing just a little in can take control of the body: cravings become seeking, and seeking becomes continual use.
Abstinence is also vital since alcohol and drugs can alter a person’s ability to feel, think, and respond. As a result, sporadic use of the substance can make it more difficult not to abuse it.
Using drugs or alcohol can sometimes lead to inappropriate behaviour harmful to the user and others. Finally, many of the substances that people avoid are illegal.
Abstinence is used in many treatment programmes to prevent relapse following rehab. Alcohol and drug rehabilitation programmes, including inpatient and outpatient, educate people about addiction and help them establish new coping skills. They learn to recognise triggers for substance usage so they can use these better coping skills when they need to.
The aftercare programme, which is offered by many inpatient private rehabs and includes ongoing, continuing therapy sessions even after the primary rehab therapies have been completed, is a part of this relapse prevention care.
Some therapies and treatment approaches focus on abstinence to regain control of the addict’s life.
The first phase in an abstinence-based addiction treatment programme is detox. It entails removing all drugs or alcohol from the systems of those suffering from a substance-based addiction and going past withdrawal symptoms to address the basis of the problem.
In abstinence-based addiction therapy, group, individual, and even recreational therapies are frequently used. Patients also gain confidence in their abilities to use new skills instead of drugs or alcohol in the future when triggers emerge.
Medication is used to make the detoxification procedure as safe and comfortable as feasible for the person seeking treatment. The need for medication, if any exists, must be determined on an individual basis.
Medications like Naltrexone and buprenorphine are used to aid sobriety by lowering the intensity of withdrawal symptoms or making abusing specific drugs unpleasurable or ineffective while on the medication.
Substance addiction recovery is rarely straightforward. It’s a long, slow trip that demands you to put one foot in front of the other constantly. Running a marathon is similar in that you keep going until you reach the finish line. If we could only provide one piece of advice to recovering addicts, it would be never to give up. Continue to work toward your substance recovery objective.
You can benefit from the support of your treatment providers, therapists, friends, and family, just as a marathon runner benefits from the support and encouragement of others. When the road to recovery becomes difficult, lean on that support. And it will be challenging. Nevertheless, with your determination and the help of people around you, you can succeed.
Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2020 to 2021:
There is no medical cure for substance abuse when it comes down to it. However, professional treatment, which can include detox, psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy), medication-assisted treatment and aftercare, can help people in their recovery. There is no reason to put off seeking treatment if you or a loved one is addicted. Compare Rehab UK is ready to assist you in choosing the best treatment option for your particular needs. Call us on 0800 999 1083 for confidential help.
BACP accredited psychotherapist with 16 years experience working in mental health specialising in psychodynamic person-centred therapies treating those with a range of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, OCD and Addiction.
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