Abstinence

Complete abstinence from an addictive substance, such as alcohol, is the only choice for recovery. When undergoing rehabilitation and/or medicinal alternatives, an addict must abstain from the addictive agent. The step within the realm of recovery is the process of admittance and the stepping out of denial. For example, an alcoholic must admit that the overall issue is his alcohol abuse and dependency.  Therefore to have an outcome of recovery, an addict must remove the addictive variable that prevents him or her from an alternative way of living.

When becoming dependent, the substance will have a powerful impact on ones psyche and physical desires. Thus deeming the potential addict defenseless towards substance abuse. Each agent eventually becomes a threat towards ones self esteem and health (mental and physical), which justifies that eliminating the drug or alcohol is the only option for the regaining of living a life without dependency.

 Once admitted into rehab, an addict is strongly encouraged to participate in Alcohol Anonymous or group programs (Byrd, 259). One core reason as to why these programs exist is to prevent a recovered addict from a relapse (Byrd, 258). If a substance has played a major role in his or her life, the body will have a powerful impact once it is deprived of the addictive agent. This is also known as a withdrawal, the overwhelming action that occurs when deprived of a dependent agent.

Thomas Byrd states in Is Total Abstinence The Only Choice For Alcoholics, “Each seemingly insignificant daily choice is a separate affirmation that recovery is worth but trouble” (Byrd, 262). While in recovery or after, an addict will have the potential of abuse again, which leads to problems recurring. Thus indicating that the only to invest in full recovery is abstinence, the removal of addictive substances.

Works Cited

Byrd, Thomas. Lives Written in Sand: Addiction Awareness & Recovery Strategies. N.p.: n.p., 1997. Print.