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What is abstinence?
Abstinence means completely stopping the use of a substance. It is sometimes referred to as being “sober”, “dry” or “clean”.
For many, abstinence is an important recovery goal and can play a key role in maintaining long-term wellbeing. Some people choose abstinence as the goal at the beginning of their recovery journey, while others may want to reduce substance use or work towards it over time.
Often, people experience significant benefits from abstinence, including improvements in physical health, mental wellbeing and quality of life. However, abstinence is not the only way to measure progress during a recovery journey.
Is abstinence the same as recovery?
While abstinence can be a significant part of recovery for many, abstinence and recovery are not the same thing.
Abstinence focuses on a person no longer using a substance, whereas recovery is much broader. It looks at the full picture and focuses on making positive wellbeing and lifestyle changes as part of a recovery journey.
Someone may be abstinent from drugs, but still working on other areas of their life, such as rebuilding confidence, improving their physical health or reconnecting with friends and family.
Equally, someone may still be using substances but taking important steps to make positive changes.
Recovery is about more than substance use
There is no single definition of recovery because every person’s journey and goals are unique.
Recovery can mean rebuilding relationships
Substance use can affect relationships with friends, family, partners, colleagues and communities.
For many, recovery involves repairing trust, strengthening connections and building healthy support networks. Often, reconnecting with loved ones can be one of the most rewarding parts of recovery.
Having supportive relationships can also play an important role in maintaining positive change long-term.
Recovery can mean improving health and wellbeing
Substance use can impact both physical and mental health, and improving wellbeing is often seen as important part of recovery.
For example, recovery may help improve sleep, eating habits, activity levels, mental health and emotional wellbeing. It can also help people to feel more confident and in control.
Recovery can mean improving health and wellbeing
Substance use can impact both physical and mental health, and improving wellbeing is often seen as important part of recovery.
For example, recovery may help improve sleep, eating habits, activity levels, mental health and emotional wellbeing. It can also help people to feel more confident and in control.
Recovery can mean accessing support
Recovery is not something people have to do alone. Accessing support can be an important step within a recovery journey.
Support can come from local services, peer support groups, family members, friends, healthcare professionals or local communities.
Recovery can mean returning to work or education
Recovery can also involve rebuilding or developing new routines, skills, hobbies, passions or opportunities.
Returning to work, volunteering or education can help provide structure, purpose and a sense of achievement. These milestones often help people regain confidence and create positive opportunities for the future.
Recovery can mean staying safer through harm reduction
Recovery can include taking steps to reduce the risks associated with alcohol or drug use.
Harm reduction can include:
- Accessing clean injecting equipment through Needle and Syringe Programmes (NSPs)
- Carrying Naloxone – a lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
- Testing for Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV to help with early diagnosis, and earlier access to treatment and support where needed.
- Using drug checking services where available to better understand what substances may contain and make informed decisions.
- Avoiding using substances alone so that someone can respond in an emergency and seek medical assistance if needed.
These actions can help to reduce risks and support people to make positive changes which support personal goals.
There are also many other harm reduction measures that can help people stay safer and contribute to recovery such as avoiding mixing substances, not sharing equipment, starting low and going slow when using, and being able to recognise the signs of stimulant and opioid overdoses.
For more harm reduction advice and practical tips, download our substance use information cards here.
Why does a person-centred approach to recovery matter?
A person-centred approach matters because no two recovery journeys are the same.
People have different experiences, goals, circumstances and support needs. A person-centred approach recognises this and focuses on what matters most to each individual.
At Turning Point, we believe people should be supported to make informed choices about their treatment and recovery. Whether someone’s goal is abstinence, reducing harm or improving other areas in their life, every step on a recovery journey should be celebrated.
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Turning Point's services across the country help people to stay safe, improve their wellbeing and access the support they need.
To find out more about our free and confidential drug and alcohol support, click here.