Though abstinence is a prerequisite for recovery but they are actuality very, very different. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For the general population, the term sobriety often refers to not drinking any alcohol or consuming drugs. The dry drunk syndrome occurs when an addict stops using alcohol or drugs but still behaves as if they are struggling with addiction. When I first started my journey away from addiction, I thought that simply stopping my use of drugs and alcohol was all I needed to do.
Summary of Abstinence vs. Recovery
We like that our clients have the peace of mind of knowing Hawaii Island Recovery is up-to-date on the latest research-based interventions. And if we don’t recognize the difference between real love and false love, we’re lost. You might think you love your cocktail, your pills, your candy, or your cigarettes, but what you actually love is the way those things make you feel. When you learn how to feel good all the time, you’ll no longer be willing to settle for a momentary high that’s harming you every step of the way. People might choose to practice abstinence for many reasons, including health, social, religious, psychological, traditional, or even a change in preferences. Abstinence is a self-chosen and self-control decision that’s not forcefully enforced.
Achieving Sobriety Is Necessary to Get Successful Life
Our spacious living accommodations were developed around dignity, comfort, and safety with gender separate bedroom wings. Someone who is trying abstinence to end their drinking and using careers is usually only white-knuckling staying away from drugs and alcohol. They may be rid of the drugs and alcohol, but the behaviors will still remain the same without changing the thinking that surrounds addiction. Drugs and alcohol are just a symptom of something bigger that these substances accentuate regarding pain and trauma. The phrase wherever you go, there you are, also relates to your addiction. Drugs and alcohol fill the void of the pain and trauma, and when the alcohol and drugs are taken away, the pain and trauma will still be there in full force.
How Can Relapse be Prevented Once Sobriety Has been Achieved?
Secondly, people can be sober without abstaining from drugs or alcohol—and vice versa. In abstinence-based recovery, the goal is to build a life that supports long-term sobriety, not just through willpower, but through meaningful change. This might involve therapy, participation in support groups, developing new hobbies, and finding new ways to connect with others. It’s about creating a support system and a life structure that makes staying sober not just possible but desirable. Many years ago I was at a training conference in another city with two colleagues.
Making Positive Life Changes:
Sobriety is the way that leads us to the growth and development of our mental, physical and spiritual health. After initially publishing this blog post, I discussed the topic with two clients. One asked the question, “at what point after you’ve been “abstinent” do you get to “sobriety?
You won’t find some of these great assets of recovery through only abstinence. If you want to have an improved quality of life or the changes and growth that occurs through the recovery process, then you should seek out recovery over just abstinence. Finding the joys and miracles of a new sober lifestyle is at the very essence of recovery. Once you experience these great joys, you can share with those that still may be struggling and give them hope for a life free from drugs and alcohol. It is challenging to begin the healing process until you realize that you are not in control of your addiction. You may have found yourself in a place where you cannot choose how much or how little you drink or use drugs because of your physical dependence and the power of craving.
Recovery from drug addiction is not just a one-time event but a continuous process. It is the next step in the cycle of addiction that follows treatment for active drug addiction. Researchers conclude that Living in a Sober House: Fundamental Rules the available evidence does not support abstinence as the exclusive strategy for treating alcohol use disorders. Where an abstinence-oriented approach is not appropriate, controlled drinking looks to be a viable choice, mainly if supported by specialist psychotherapy.
- And it was—every day of abstinence was a testament to my strength and determination.
- Hawaii Island Recovery, the Big Island’s premiere residential substance abuse rehabilitation facility for adults, offers a comprehensive treatment program in a tranquil and healing environment.
- It’s a conscious choice to refrain from engaging in the addictive behavior or consuming the addictive substance.
- These symptoms may include physical discomfort, cravings, mood swings, and anxiety.
Main Differences Between Abstinence and Sobriety
If you are seeking drug and alcohol related addiction rehab for yourself or a loved one, the SoberNation.com hotline is a confidential and convenient solution. On the contrary, someone who practices abstinence may still go out with friends but will not drink alcohol because they don’t want to engage with the substance. Even if you could choose to stop using drugs and alcohol on your own, you could end up with dry drunk syndrome or potentially relapse.
- The promise of abstinence means the person is committed to a lifestyle without access to drugs, alcohol, or other medications that could affect their recovery.
- The difference between abstinence and recovery became clear to me as I delved deeper into my own healing journey.
- However, most people define sobriety as achieving stability in recovery.
- If you’re serious about your relationship with yourself—your health and your emotional and spiritual well-being, you won’t just settle for abstinence.
I guess the difference between abstinence and sobriety comes down to exactly that. Sobriety is not using, but also not running—not running from ourselves, our lives, our relationships, our history, our future, our present moment. True “sobriety” (or “recovery” as some people prefer to call it) is sitting with and facing whatever is happening within us and outside of us, so we never need to run again. Factors such as treatment adherence, personal commitment, and support systems play a significant role in achieving and maintaining sobriety. These elements go beyond the scope of abstinence, which is primarily concerned with avoiding substance use. These steps contribute to the overall well-being and resilience needed for sustained sobriety.
While abstinence is a crucial part of recovery, the two are not the same. Sobriety, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery. While abstinence focuses solely on avoiding the addictive substance or behavior, sobriety extends beyond that. It involves addressing underlying issues that https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ may have contributed to the addiction, making positive changes in one’s life, and working on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. When it comes to addiction recovery, sobriety encompasses a comprehensive and holistic approach.
Can I cure myself of alcoholism, and why alcoholics need professional help to maintain abstinence and achieve lifetime sobriety. Abstinence is the ability to avoid using addictive substances of any kind. For those suffering from an addiction to cocaine, being able to keep a safe distance from the drug, or even saying “no” if offered, is crucial in keeping the addictive substance out of their body. Willingness to go to any lengths means that you put yourself into a mental state of compliance instead of self-will. Instead of thinking you know how to succeed, you recognize that you haven’t succeeded, and you become willing to follow the steps of others who have progressed beyond their limitations. These individuals aren’t just free from the bondage of their bad habits, they are also joyous.