Abstinence Violation an overview

Substance use recovery programs should refrain from defining a mere slip as a total failure of abstinence. Instead, they should promote the notion that slips should be addressed immediately and that individuals can learn from them and improve. This does not mean endorsing slips, but recognizing that if they occur, something needs to be done immediately. Both slips and even full-blown relapses are often part of the recovery process. By the end of treatment, most gamblers will have experienced a prolonged abstinence from gambling. However, the importance of effective maintenance can not be underestimated.

Although abstinence from all substances is an excellent recovery goal for some, research consistently shows that many people who resolve alcohol and drug problems follow a path of moderation. Furthermore, the use of FDA-approved medications (which not all clients will view as “abstinence”) has been shown to produce the best health and recovery outcomes for people https://curiousmindmagazine.com/selecting-the-most-suitable-sober-house-for-addiction-recovery/ with opioid use disorders. Although there may be practical reasons for your client to choose abstinence as a goal (e.g., being on probation), it is inaccurate to characterize abstinence-based recovery as the only path to wellness. More and more, behavioral health organizations are moving away from “kicking people out of treatment” if they return to substance use.

Combatting the Abstinence Violation Effect

The fact that consumption occurs again, punctual and specific, would imply a relapse. Throughout the detoxification treatment, it is preferable that relapses do not occur. However, the fact that they occur it does not have to prevent further treatment and that abstinence and recovery are finally achieved. The Abstinence Violation Effect is when there is any deviation from a desired behavior goal and this deviation is viewed as a total failure.

Results showed that more internal, stable, and global attributions for the cause of the lapse and perceived loss of control were related significantly to concurrently reported relapse. Further, internal and global attributions predicted marijuana use during the subsequent 6 months. Results are discussed in terms of support for the AVE construct, treatment implications, and the failure of the RP treatment to modify reactions to a lapse.

Overcoming Abstinence Violation Effect

John joined Amethyst as a behavioral health technician where he quickly developed strong personal relationships with the clients through support and guidance. John understands first hand the struggles of addiction and strives to provide a safe environment for clients. Looking back does have its benefits in that it helps us identify weaknesses in our program. The problem is that abstinence violation effect magnifies these weaknesses and prevents us from seeking solutions. Our first instinct should be to figure out a relapse prevention plan that addresses the faults we have identified. This is an important measure, but it doesn’t do much for relapse prevention if we don’t forge a plan to deal with these disturbances when they arise.