When you begin the journey of addiction recovery, one of the most common debates revolves around whether you should strive for:
- Abstinence—completely avoiding substances.
- Moderation—controlling and limiting consumption.
After more than 50 years of guiding people toward a better life, Willingway’s primary treatment philosophy “is to strive for a chemically-free baseline from which an accurate assessment and diagnosis can be made.” However, each individual’s continuum of care plan is unique, so it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of both methods and your condition to ensure long-term health.
The Science Behind Abstinence
Abstinence refers to the complete avoidance of the substance to which an individual has developed an addiction. It’s often considered the safest and most effective method of managing the chronic condition of addiction for several key reasons:
- Neurobiological changes. Substances fundamentally alter the brain’s reward system, reducing its natural ability to feel pleasure and creating a need for more of the substance to achieve the same effect. Complete abstinence allows the brain time to recalibrate and heal. Research from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) indicates that over time, the brain’s reward system can recover from addiction, leading to improved mood regulation and an increased ability to experience natural rewards like joy and connection.
- Preventing relapse. Even a small amount of a substance can trigger a relapse, especially during early recovery. Abstinence eliminates the risk of “slippery slope” scenarios where moderation might make it difficult to stop after just a small amount.
- Clear boundaries. Abstinence offers a simple, direct rule: “No use, ever.” This reduces ambiguity and internal conflict. People in recovery don’t need to worry about moderating their behavior in social settings or handling temptation. For many, the absence of the substance makes it easier to focus on rebuilding their lives without the constant psychological battle that comes with trying to control their usage.
Benefits of Abstinence in Recovery
- Improved mental health. Addiction often co-occurs with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Abstinence gives the brain a chance to regain emotional balance. Many recovery programs focus on improving overall mental health by providing therapy and social support, which are easier to access when a person is not still using substances.
- Enhanced physical health. Abstinence allows the body time to heal from the toxic effects of addiction. For example, addiction takes quite a toll on your health, causing problems such as liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and neurological impairments, among others. By avoiding substances altogether, there’s a better chance to repair and recover.
- Long-term sobriety. General studies continue to support that a multi-faceted treatment approach that includes therapy, behavioral modifications, and abstinence is associated with better outcomes in recovery.
What About Medication-Assisted Treatment?
This area of addiction science is still being studied, and the results are mixed at best. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as “the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a ‘whole patient’ approach to the treatment of substance abuse disorders.”
However, the MAT protocol also allows for some people to remain on certain drugs if it helps them reduce their dependence on more complicated substances—such as taking methadone for heroin addiction, for instance. The National Institute on Drug Studies states that, in some cases, complete abstinence might not be as effective as harm reduction.
Moderation: A Control-Based Approach
Is moderation possible for a lifetime of recovery? While it might sound appealing, it’s more complicated than it appears. It’s important to understand why it works for some people but not for others:
- The brain’s reward system. For individuals who’ve experienced addiction, even small amounts of a substance prompt a similar neurological response as before. Willpower alone doesn’t allow a bypass of this process.
- Risk of escalation. For many people, control is difficult. Moderated substance use can lead to cravings. The desire for “just one more” drink or dose is a dangerous escalation, making moderation more challenging than expected, and often results in relapse.
Benefits of Moderation in Recovery
- Less intense psychological strain. For some individuals, complete abstinence might feel too restrictive. Learning how to control the consumption of a substance may feel more achievable and less overwhelming, especially for people who have less severe cases of AUD or SUD.
- Social integration. In some cases, moderation allows individuals to participate in social activities where substance use is present—such as attending a party where alcohol is served. This approach might make it easier to engage in social activities without feeling isolated or deprived.
Find the Right Answers For You at Willingway
We’ve had more than 50 years and over 20,000 clients to develop an exceptional program. While every individual’s recovery journey is unique, the board-certified professionals at Willingway’s Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations believe that abstinence offers the best chance for long-term sobriety and overall well-being.
Recovery is about more than just stopping the substance use—it’s about rebuilding your life. By choosing abstinence and using other evidence-based practices, you have the best opportunity to heal both physically and emotionally, free from the cycles of addiction. If you’re ready for this type of future, talk to a member of our admissions team today.