Is abstinence the only measure of success in fighting alcohol and drug abuse?
Abstinence is only one measure of effectiveness of interventions or treatment. For alcohol- or drug-dependent patients, abstinence is the safest option, since a little drinking or drug use may trigger excessive drinking or drug use and negative health and social consequences. Although many dependent patients do not attain lasting abstinence after treatment, many will manifest other kinds of improvement. They may drink or use drugs less frequently and in smaller amounts. They may have fewer and less severe relapses. They may enjoy a greater sense of health and well-being, improved quality of life, and stronger relationships with family members and friends. They may suffer fewer health, social, legal, and financial consequences of their drinking or drug use. For non-dependent individuals who are drinking or using drugs in risky or harmful ways, abstinence may not be necessary to prevent or eliminate negative health and social consequences. When abstinence is considered the only marker of
