The difference between abstinence and recovery from drug or alcohol addiction?
Alcohol and Drug Addiction
To answer this question, one has to consider alcohol and drug addiction very carefully. There are many misconceptions about addiction and many addicts enter drug treatment facilities with false beliefs. Typical justifications of new patients include:
"I'm just here to chill out a bit, I just need to get off the drugs, and then I can use them like normal people do - I can control my use of drugs, no problem."
"I don't have a drug problem; I choose to use drugs because I like them. I can stop whenever I want to, I just don't want to."
"It's only one drug that is the problem. I can still do other drugs, as long as I don't touch that one."
"I don't need to follow a programme. Once I get out of here, I'll be fine on my own."
These misconceptions are often born of pride and fear, and are highly influential in leading a clean addict back to alcohol and drug addiction. This is because addiction is not something that can be cured. It is a disease that is always present and can only be arrested and managed through the working of a 12 Step recovery programme. This means that it is not a specific drug, place or person that leads an addict to using drugs.
Abstinence plus change
The problem lies within the addict, and if lasting sobriety is to be achieved, that is where the change needs to occur - from within. This is the difference between abstinence and recovery - abstinence is simply refraining from the use of addictive substances. Recovery involves staying clean from substances and making changes to oneself. The term for an addict who is only abstinent from addictive behaviours and not working on personal growth and change is termed a "dry-drunk." They display the negative personality traits of an addict or alcoholic without the use of alcohol.
Through working a programme 12 Step recovery programme to heal their inner trauma and discomfort, an addict can deal with situations that were previously traumatic, and a catalyst in their use of drugs. Thus, they can stay clean.
"Recovery is abstinence plus change." This is a common saying in many 12 Step recovery programmes. The saying highlights the notion that in order to achieve real freedom from alcohol and drug addiction, an addict must work on personal change, as well as cease addictive behaviour, such as drug and alcohol abuse.
Find out more about Oasis Counselling Centre and their Plettenberg Bay rehab.
