One in 10 Americans has resolved a significant substance abuse problem in their life. While many people have dealt with drug or alcohol addiction, there are ways to recover and stay sober.Â
Perhaps the most important part of addiction recovery and staying sober is being abstinent.
Do you want to learn more about the importance of abstinence and avoiding temptation in a sober life? Keep reading this article to learn more about the importance of abstinence in recovery and to find the best drug and alcohol treatment centers in San Diego.
Abstinence vs. Moderation
There are many treatment options for alcohol and drug addiction. Some of the most common recovery options include abstinence recovery and moderation recovery.
Abstinence recovery is a treatment strategy that requires you to avoid all substances. This is a great option if you are addicted to alcohol or drugs, as it can help you avoid your bad habits. In many cases, it is easier to completely give up substances rather than trying to manage or regulate your substance abuse.
On the other hand, moderation does not require you to quit cold turkey. Moderation recovery allows you to cut down on your substance use rather than giving it up completely. This way, you can drink within safer limits.
However, this may not be an option for those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. In many cases, there are no safe amounts of alcohol or drug use for people in recovery, and it can lead to a relapse.
Benefits of Abstinence Recovery
Although abstinence recovery programs can be difficult to start, they are one of the best ways to ensure that you stay sober for years to come. Here are the top benefits of choosing abstinence when you are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction.
Removes Temptation
First, choosing abstinence-based recovery removes all forms of temptation from your life. Whether you are an alcoholic or addicted to another substance, using moderate amounts of these substances will make it easier to abuse them again in the future.
Even if it seems harmless to have a drink on a holiday, it is easy to lose control of your substance use. Plus, using a moderate amount of substances can tempt you to use more.
By giving up alcohol or drugs completely, it is easier to stay sober and have a life-long recovery.
Makes Clearer Goals
Next, abstinence recovery programs allow you to set clearer goals for your recovery. When you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, the end goal is to live a substance-free life.
If you choose to moderate your substances rather than cutting them out completely, it can delay your goals and make it easier to slip up. Plus, it can cause confusion between your body and your brain.
Although your brain knows that you should not be using these substances, your body will continue to crave them if you do not cut them out completely.
With moderation, your goals can shift over time. While you may only want to use your substances on special occasions, it can become easier and easier to make excuses for other opportunities to use your substances.
On the other hand, abstinence gives you a clear goal for your recovery and will keep you from ever consuming addictive substances.
Reduces Risk of Relapsing
One of the most important reasons you should choose to abstain from addictive substances when you are recovering from addiction is that it can reduce your risk of relapsing. It can be difficult to control how much you use drugs or alcohol and this may result in a relapse.Â
Choosing abstinence will help you avoid these entirely to prevent the risk of relapse.
Makes It Easier to Seek Professional Treatment
Often, people who choose to moderate their substance abuse rather than cutting addictive substances out entirely think that they have control over their addiction. It can trick them into thinking that they can still consume these substances without getting any help.
However, choosing complete abstinence can make it easier to seek professional help for your addiction recovery. When you understand that you are reliant on your drug or alcohol use, it makes it clear that you cannot overcome it by yourself.
If you are looking for San Diego rehab centers to help with your abstinence-based recovery, Apex recovery can help you become and stay sober.
Increases Likelihood of Long-Term Sobriety
Finally, abstinence can help increase the likelihood of you achieving long-term sobriety. When you are addicted to substances like drugs or alcohol, it can be easy to let these substances control you.
With abstinence, it shows that you are no longer controlled by these substances and you can prove to yourself that you are capable of living a substance-free life.
Plus, many abstinence-based detox programs rely on group support and faith. Having peers supporting you can also make it easier to stay sober long-term.
Learn More About the Importance of Abstinence in Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Learning about the types of recovery options available for your substance abuse is an important step to addiction recovery and can help you achieve long-term sobriety.
Do you want to learn more about the importance of abstinence as part of your drug or alcohol rehabilitation? Apex Recovery can help! We offer premier rehab centers in San Diego and can help you start down the path to sobriety.
Contact our San Diego alcohol rehabilitation center today to learn more about our rehab services and to get help today.