Category: Sober Living

In this blog, we look at the dangers of snorting, smoking, and injecting Xanax. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Participating in various forms of therapy can help you analyze your thoughts and behaviors so that you understand yourself and your motivations better. Not to mention, if needles are shared between users, it could result in getting infected with HIV or hepatitis. Xanax is typically taken orally and is not meant to be snorted, smoked, or injected.

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• With dry hands, open the bottle, remove the tablet, and immediately place it on your tongue.
• Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock.
• If you or a loved one is addicted to Xanax or any other drug or alcohol, our Christian drug rehab can help.
• Smoking Xanax is not safe as doing so can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening side effects.
• However, when it comes to addiction recovery, treating drug and alcohol addiction alone is rarely enough.

People abuse Xanax by taking higher doses because of the potent relief it provides from stress or concerns. Perhaps this is why Xanax abuse, and abuse of other benzos, is popular among teens. A Xanax addiction often co-occurs with alcohol abuse or the use of opioids such as fentanyl.

Some people inject Xanax, and its effects range from painful to dangerous. Intravenous drug users often develop conditions like cutaneous infections, abscesses, ulcers, bacteremia, and endocarditis. Most horrific among the effects of injecting drugs are severe tissue ischemia and necrosis.

Other Methods of Xanax Consumption

This can even cause the heart to stop beating if it slows down too quickly. The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or a loved one are misusing Xanax or other prescription medications, it’s a good idea to seek help immediately.

Treating Co-occurring Disorders with Drug Addiction

• The cells in the membrane also have cells that are ideal for absorption.
• One case that was documented by the Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology involved a woman who snorted meth for three years, presenting with a perforated septum, swelling of the sinuses, and necrosis.
• Injecting a central nervous system depressant like Xanax increases the likelihood of respiratory failure.
• In addition to these programs, we also offer telehealth and rehab programs that are designed specifically for women.
• It increases the probability of life-threatening health issues, exposes individuals to infectious diseases, and can accelerate the path to drug dependence and addiction.

The “laced” substance tends to be one that’s normally smoked, like cannabis or tobacco. The intent is usually to add another dimension to the experience of smoking. One of the reasons for his commitment to excellence in addiction treatment was his experience related to family members who suffered from the disease of addiction.

Xanax Abuse and Xanax Addiction

Bob Lehmann is the Chief Operating Officer at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. Caty graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Counseling and History. Throughout her undergrad, she worked at the local CASA program, supporting volunteers advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Caty worked for seven years at a community mental health center (CMHC), partnering with children, adults, and families.

Alcohol and opioids are two of the most commonly mixed-in depressants. Xanax addiction is also a risk factor among those with mental illness who have been prescribed the drug for a legitimate purpose. Smoking Xanax represents a faster method of onset than swallowing pills or snorting it, because it is absorbed through the lungs. The most common alternative route of administration is snorting Xanax. The pills can be crushed and snorted up a nostril similar to snorting cocaine.

Why do people snort, smoke and inject Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name of the drug alprazolam, a benzodiazepine medication often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorders, and agoraphobia. Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a powerful benzodiazepine used to provide short-term relief from mental health problems such as panic disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression. In fact, drug abuse is classified as when a person decides to take a drug without the instructions of a medical professional. People who abuse Xanax generally determine what dose is best for them based on the feeling they wish to experience instead of what the doctor prescribes.

Treatment for Xanax abuse should address the underlying reasons that the drug abuse or addiction began. During treatment, treatment centers, such as our, provide the opportunity to address underlying conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Usually, those who have developed a physical dependence on Xanax experience the most severe withdrawal symptoms, which can begin just hours after the last dose.

Megan says “I am very passionate about therapy, especially about supporting my clients in exploring their strengths and identity. Her dream is to own acres of land so she can care for vulnerable animals, especially old dogs, cats, and horses. Another risk of Xanax overdose comes when fake Xanax is acquired on the street instead of via a medical prescription. These pills may combine Xanax with other dangerous substances such as fentanyl, which can cause an overdose.

Xanax is a schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a low potential for drug abuse and dependence. Despite this classification, many people seek the drug for its sedative and euphoric effects. Xanax can have dangerous side effects when abused, leading to addiction and other health problems. Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a moderate potential for abuse and can lead to dependence.

Addiction is a mental health disease that worsens over time, and even though the long-term effects of Xanax may not be noticeable immediately, it’s crucial to get help as soon as possible. Like any prescription drug, Xanax should be used with extreme care, even when you have a valid prescription and are taking the right dose as instructed. If you feel the drug’s effects for longer than expected or experience abnormal side effects, you should discuss them with your doctor immediately.

Any form of alprazolam abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction and can also increase your risk of a fatal overdose. In addition to these side effects, this method of Xanax abuse increases the rate of tolerance as well as the risk of addiction and overdose. Alprazolam overdose can occur if a regular dose is administered in a way that will flood the body and distribute it all at once. Rather than allowing the drug to gradually take effect, injecting Xanax sends it into the bloodstream and up into the brain in one moment, not giving the body enough time to process it. Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

If consuming Xanax orally is the recommended method, it must be safe to abuse, right? Millions of people have changed their relationship with substances, cut back on how much they’re can u inject xanax using, or stopped using altogether. This website will help you find the resources, support, and community to create your own path. You may face challenges along the way, but combining the power of hope with practical guidance and tools, you’ll be taking steps towards better health.

While there isn’t definitive proof that it directly affects Levaquin’s effectiveness, why take the risk? After all, if the goal is to recover fully from an infection, avoiding anything that might hinder that process seems wise. Despite all the warnings mentioned above, remember that having a single drink with levofloxacin does not usually cause lasting damage if it happens once.

Levaquin alcohol/food interactions

Furthermore, avoiding alcohol while taking Levaquin can also help to reduce the risk of certain interactions with other medications. It is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol while taking Levaquin. This will help to ensure that any interactions between the drug and alcohol are minimized.

Alcohol can also reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics and slow down your recovery. It is not recommended to drink beer or any other form of alcohol while taking Levaquin. Combining Levaquin and alcohol can lead to serious side effects such as disorientation, nervousness, agitation, and confusion. It can also increase the risk of mental health side effects and may cause liver damage. It is important to note that even though alcohol might not directly interact with Levaquin, it could interfere with your body’s ability to fight off infection. Therefore, moderation in drinking is generally advised while taking this medication.

What Should I Do If I Experience Side Effects From Levaquin?

For example, you may suffer from an upset stomach, drowsiness or dizziness. When alcohol and antibiotics are combined, these side effects may become worse. If you are on a long-term course of Levaquin (10+ days), consult your doctor before drinking alcohol, as interactions can be more severe. Once you have completed your course of Levaquin, it is generally safe to consume alcohol. However, it is always advisable to check with your healthcare provider for any specific concerns related to your individual health condition. It is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol altogether while taking Levaquin to ensure optimal effectiveness of the medication and minimize potential risks.

While the combination of Levaquin and alcohol use might not kill you, it can cause seriously dangerous side effects. Because of this, you should avoid drinking alcohol when you are using Levaquin. When considering whether you can drink alcohol while taking Levaquin, it’s vital to understand how both substances interact within the body. Alcohol is metabolized primarily in the liver, similar to many medications, including Levaquin. This shared metabolic pathway means that consuming alcohol can potentially interfere with how the body processes the antibiotic.

Does Orilissa interact with food?

When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if mary jane drugs you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. These include metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra). Drinking alcohol with these medicines can cause side effects such as flushing, headache, nausea and vomiting, and fast heart rate. Similar to supplements, Levaquin has the potential to negatively interact with a number of different medications. However, similar to products containing certain nutrients like fun addiction group activities calcium, you should avoid consuming excessive amounts of caffeine when taking Levaquin.

Combining alcohol with Levaquin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, can be dangerous. Consuming alcohol while taking Levaquin can increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness. It can also impair the effectiveness of the antibiotic, making it less effective at treating the infection. In addition, drinking alcohol while on this type of medication can increase your risk for developing serious liver damage or liver failure. It is not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages while taking Levaquin. Levaquin is an antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, and alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the drug.

• But you should not take a dose of either medication that’s higher than your doctor prescribes.
• If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Because of this, you should always avoid consuming Levaquin and alcohol at the same time.

If you drink alcohol during your Orilissa treatment, you may have worsened side effects. Your doctor can review the medications you take before starting Orilissa. They may recommend an alternative treatment or adjust your medications to help avoid interactions.

Thirdly, in some cases, people have experienced seizures while taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics, especially those with a history of seizures. Since alcohol affects the seizure threshold, consuming it with Levaquin can increase the odds of having a seizure. Additionally, many antibiotics can exert side effects alcohol and levaquin similar to those of alcohol consumption.

Is it OK to drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Alcohol affects your central nervous system, and Levaquin can worsen these effects. To avoid issues with your central nervous system, you should never consume Levaquin and alcohol at the same time. According to Peace Health, there is limited or no data on the exact interactions between Levaquin and caffeine 5. It points instead to similar medications belonging to the fluoroquinolones family of antibiotics. Flouroquinolones have shown evidence of increasing the effects of caffeine and make it linger longer in the blood stream.

They might provide tailored advice based on your health status or recommend alternative treatments if necessary. Firstly, drinking alcohol while taking Levaquin can cause disorientation, nervousness, agitation, and confusion. These side effects can have fatal consequences if the person is operating heavy machinery. Additionally, the combination of Levaquin and alcohol can lead to memory loss and attention issues.

Related treatment guides

If you are taking this medication and have any questions about the safety of drinking alcohol while on it, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. It is not recommended to drink alcohol, including wine, while taking Levaquin to ensure the medication is as effective as possible. When someone drinks heavily on a regular basis, it can overwhelm the liver. If your liver is overwhelmed by alcohol, it will be unable to do its job.

In addition to these risks, drinking beer with Levaquin can also worsen the common side effects of antibiotics, such as an upset stomach, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. It is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Levaquin and for at least 3 days after finishing the medication to avoid these side effects and ensure the best results. However, while alcohol appears to slow the rate of penicillin absorption it does not prevent how much of the drug is ultimately absorbed. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic that doctors prescribe to treat abdominal infections, sexually transmitted infections, and other anaerobic bacteria-related infections. Since alcohol lowers the seizure threshold, doctors advise people with a history of seizures to avoid mixing alcohol and fluoroquinolones. Mixing alcohol with fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin may increase these mental health side effects.

Levaquin, or levofloxacin, is a powerful antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, which are effective against a wide range of pathogens. Doctors often prescribe it for conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. The way it works is by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes crucial for bacterial replication and survival. It is important to note that even a single drink may cause these side effects, and the risks increase with heavier consumption. Alcohol can also negatively impact the effectiveness of Levaquin and other antibiotics.

Orilissa and vitamins

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before consuming grapefruit products with Orilissa. They can recommend whether to limit or avoid grapefruit during Orilissa treatment. If you have questions about consuming alcohol while taking Orilissa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

It takes around five half-lives for a medication to be cleared from your system. Therefore, it may take 30 to 40 hours for Levaquin to be eliminated from your body after the last dose. Francisco Church is a rehabilitation specialist and the chief editor of Recovery Ranger.

Magic mushrooms have a long and storied history in various cultures. In fact, psilocybe mushrooms were used as a holy sacrament and called Teonanácatl in the Aztec language. And while it’s likely liberty cap mushrooms were used in sacred ceremonies, our information isn’t always well documented. It is often passed down through traditional folklore or anecdotal accounts.

Blue Meanies Mushroom Strain Guide

• Liberty cap mushrooms are psychedelic mushrooms, which means they contain psilocybin and, under federal law, are illegal in most states.
• There were no significant adverse effects that were treatment-related in this cohort of patients 7..
• Remember that individual reactions can vary, and it’s important to prioritize your well-being.
• Protostropharia semiglobata grows directly on dung; Psilocybe semilanceata will not be found growing on dung.
• Underneath the cap, you’ll find the gills of the liberty cap mushroom.

So, you may be wondering how many liberty caps to eat if you want a light, medium, or strong trip. We would generally recommend 0.5-1 g, 1-2 g, and 2-4 g, respectively. It’s important to be aware of the high potency of liberty caps before deciding to consume them.

Ethically wildcrafting liberty cap mushrooms

Liberty caps are one of the most potent psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The average psilocybin content is 1.5% by dry weight but can be as high as 3% in some cases. It makes them among the strongest of all psychedelic mushrooms.

How can Liberty Caps mushrooms be consumed?

• (UVA) has received a $9.3 million grant from the NIH to study ketamine as a potential treatment for status epilepticus.
• Considering how small they are they it’s amazing they can be so potent.
• Like all mushrooms, Liberty Caps can be poisonous if not correctly identified.
• At this point, it’s a good idea to turn them all over — this will prevent the mushrooms from sticking to your paper as they dry.
• They have creamy white caps that are conical with striated (long vertical lines) markings going up the cap.
• It’s wise to keep in mind that laws regarding these types of substances can vary widely and change frequently, so it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your local laws.
• The hat they were given represented their pride in their work, but if you looked closely, you could see it was also a representation of their shame.

The coins he minted after Caesar’s murder announced to the world that he had played an integral, if not decisive, role in the opposition against Rome’s Dictator. The coin also includes two daggers and a distinctive liberty cap. The cap became a symbol of power signifying freedom- an expression used by authoritarian leaders to justify their absolute rule.

Thai Lipa Yai Mushrooms Strain Guide

Effects can be noted in as little as five to ten minutes after drinking the tea, and strong effects can be felt in less than 30 minutes. If you’ve picked quite a lot of mushrooms, making mushroom powder can be a good use of your time. Dashing the shrooms through a blender for a few seconds can create a fine powder that can be used to season foods or drinks — a liberty caps spores spice for the mind rather than the palette. They taste like the field you picked them from and feel like a mouth full of grass, but they aren’t gourmet mushrooms, and you’re not eating them for flavor.

The Power and Potential of Psilocybe Semilanceata: Therapeutic and Spiritual Applications

The Liberty Cap, or Psilocybe semilanceata, is the most hallucinogenic mushroom in the world. It contains psilocybin and psilocin, which cause psychedelic effects when consumed. Like the Psilocybe Semilanceata, Conocybe Apala is cone-shaped.

How to Make Magic Mushroom Chocolate: 4 Simple Recipes

In Canada, they are located in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec, New Brunswick, and British Columbia. The liberty caps can be found in the Pacific Northwest and on the Cascade mountains’ western side in the United States. The cap of the Psilocybe Semilanceata under the veil has gills.

That means that you’re just as likely can diabetics get drunk to have blood sugar issues the morning after drinking. And the more you drink, the greater the likelihood of low blood sugar, and the less capable you will be of dealing with it. Handling a hangover may require additional preparation and care, according to Everyday Health’s network site Diabetes Daily.

Alcohol-induced hypoglycemia with diabetes

The risk for low blood sugar remains for hours after you take your last drink. This is why you should only drink alcohol with food and drink only in moderation. Because alcohol decreases your liver’s efficiency at releasing glucose, drinking puts you at risk of an alcohol-induced hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or a hypo, is when you don’t have enough glucose in your bloodstream so your BGL is dangerously low. There are several reasons why alcohol may pose risks to people with type 2 diabetes.

‘Prince of Peoria’ Star Gavin Lewis Talks T1D

Both conditions can make you feel woozy, wobbly, hungry, tired, or confused. Beverages such as beer and wine can have an alcohol content of 2–20%. Furthermore, if you have been drinking heavily, there may be a risk of hypos for up to 16 hours (or even more) after you have stopped drinking. Some sources (including Diabetes Drug rehabilitation UK ) advise strict carbohydrate management, perhaps even chips or pizza, if a large amount of alcohol has been consumed.

Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach

• After all, getting medical advice is always a good idea whenever you have questions concerning diabetes.
• Some people stop drinking alcohol after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
• If you are being medicated with insulin, the positive effects of insulin might get changed into negative ones due to consuming alcohol.
• Many people with alcoholic liver disease also have either glucose intolerance or diabetes.
• Low carbohydrate and low-alcohol drinks may be better than standard alcohol, but the dangers still need to be considered.

Hypoglycemia can further lead to hungriness, low blood sugar levels, anxiety, and shakiness of the body. Whereas, Ketoacidosis works on forming more ketones in the body which can lead to the building of more acidic compounds in one’s blood. No alcohol is completely off-limits for people with diabetes. You are probably better off, however, if you choose drinks that have fewer carbohydrates, such as light beers, dry wines, and seltzers. Avoid drinks that contain sweet mixers or juices, such as a margarita or tequila sunrise. Talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol to make sure alcohol won’t reduce the effectiveness of your medication.

• These drinks may prompt a large and rapid blood sugar spike, necessitating the use of insulin (for those who customarily use insulin before meals).
• A single alcoholic drink (a 330ml bottle of beer, medium glass of wine) may not have a huge effect on your overall blood sugar.
• This can make it difficult to tell if you’ve had too much to drink or if your blood sugar is dropping to dangerously low levels.
• Often alcohol is mixed with fizzy, sugary drinks that can impact on blood sugars.

Drinking alcohol can exacerbate neuropathy by increasing pain and numbness. Different alcoholic drinks will have varying effects on your blood sugar It also depends how much you drink. A single alcoholic drink (a 330ml bottle of beer, medium glass of wine) may not have a huge effect on your overall blood sugar.

It should be noted that since some participants completed the baseline measures while they had already started their abstinence challenge (questionnaire closed on February 10), they were asked to report their alcohol consumption before starting their abstinence. Next, the tailor-made questionnaire assessing determinants was not pilot-tested. Additionally, not all targeted determinants were assessed, such as knowledge.

The Two Approaches

• Rates of abstinent recovery in the current study (54.0%) were greater than those among individuals in alcohol use disorder remission from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (54.0% vs. 28.9%; Fan et al., 2019).
• Along these lines, a lot of people don’t drink due to health issues that are exacerbated by drugs or alcohol, such as liver disease, heart conditions, or certain medications that interact negatively with alcohol.
• TMC challenged adults to refrain from alcohol during the month February.
• Along these lines, a lot of people don’t drink due to health issues that are exacerbated by drinking, such as liver disease, heart conditions, or certain medications that interact negatively with alcohol.
• The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains in great detail how alcohol affects your brain and the stages of the addiction cycle.
• For some of us, moderate drinking might be more sustainable and lower our risk of excessive or binge drinking.
• It may not be easy to see now, but your life can be restored to where you are in control, your addiction and the urges will recede to an unpleasant memory.

While moderation may be more achievable for those with a mild or moderate diagnosis than those with severe alcohol use disorder, it’s also a great starting point for those exploring making a change. With the support of an expert Care Team, many people begin their journey by gradually reducing their weekly alcohol consumption.The idea of moderation and mindful drinking is also a great way for people who are asking themselves “should I stop drinking? Proactively cutting back on drinking can start to illuminate how drinking less can give you more, and create the mental clarity to identify your goals and values.

Reasons Abstinence From Alcohol May Be the Best Choice

Support systems, including counseling and peer groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-Step programs, play a crucial role in helping individuals maintain abstinence. Along these lines, a lot of people don’t drink due to health issues that are exacerbated by drinking, such as liver disease, heart conditions, or certain medications that interact negatively with alcohol. Others may avoid alcohol to maintain overall physical and mental health. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that this approach may require significant lifestyle changes, including avoiding social situations where substances are present. It can also involve psychological challenges, such as dealing with cravings and the need for coping strategies and sobriety initiatives. Understanding these factors helps in creating personalized recovery plans that address both psychological and social elements.

Alcohol consumption

• Studies have shown that regardless of the method employed to become sober, the number one factor for sobriety success is a permanent commitment to discontinue use permanently; a commitment to abstinence.
• Light consumption growsThe proportion of Light drinkers – defined as those with low frequency and intensity of consumption – has increased significantly.
• By understanding the key differences between these paths, you or someone you love can make informed decisions that align with goals and needs, whether aiming for harm reduction or complete recovery.
• Drinkers are now more habitual in their control of alcohol intake, but 2023’s spike in abstaining from alcohol altogether now looks to be a blip.
• In such cases, seeking professional help from a substance use and mental health treatment center could be beneficial.
• And even if you don’t plan to quit, you may find that you lose interest in alcohol after practicing moderation.

JVD supported the conceptualization, project administration, and supervision, and contributed to the review and editing of the manuscript. BD led the conceptualization, formal analysis, funding acquisition, and supervision, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and contributed to the review and editing of the manuscript. The data sets generated during and/or analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. The trend spans all age groups, regions, and demographics, highlighting moderation as a mainstream cultural phenomenon rather than a trend limited to younger LDA+ consumers. In the spirit of reconciliation, Hello Sunday Morning acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

The questionnaires could be filled in for approximately 14 days (the exact dates are given in Fig. 1). Participants’ data was linked across the three surveys using their unique email address, which was requested at the end of each time point when completing the questionnaire. Duplicates entries of email addresses were removed based on completeness rate. Participants who did not provide their email address (e.g. by leaving the questionnaire early) could not be included in the analyses for all three measures. To protect participants’ privacy, the email addresses were removed before the analyses were conducted. There are people who develop abusive behaviors toward alcohol for a time but do not fully develop alcoholism.

Subsequently, the authors found that abstinence in this sample at three years did not predict better psychological functioning at ten years (Witkiewitz et al., 2020). Temporary abstinence campaigns (TAC) are a promising approach to reduce alcohol consumption. This study examined changes in (at-risk) alcohol consumption and determinants of alcohol consumption among Belgian adults participating in the Tournée Minérale Campaign (TMC, Belgian TAC). In addition, moderating effects of age, sex, education level, successfully refraining from alcohol during TMC, risk drinking, drinking levels and binge drinking were investigated. It is possible that individuals with comorbidities have more psychosocial stress and challenges, taxing their coping resources, thus increasing the likelihood of ongoing substance use as a strategy to relieve mental health symptoms. The current study also found that participants experienced fewer benefits of drinking less alcohol immediately after the campaign than they anticipated before the start of TMC.

Lack of Support Systems

No incentives were offered for filling alcohol abstinence vs moderation in the questionnaires and there was no exclusion based on time spent to fill in the questionnaire. The completeness of the questionnaire was facilitated by mandatory completion for the majority of questions before continuing. It was technically not possible to assess the view rate or recruitment rate of the survey.

Participants

• Moderate drinking can be a form of mindful drinking, but mindful drinking includes other beneficial aspects, such as identifying triggers and noticing our emotions before and after drinking.
• The negative effects of your drinking may have turned you off of alcohol entirely, and that’s completely okay.
• Subsequently, the authors found that abstinence in this sample at three years did not predict better psychological functioning at ten years (Witkiewitz et al., 2020).
• Most relapse prevention plans highlight the numerous benefits of drug and alcohol abstinence to ensure long-term recovery.
• Thus, abstinence rates may be higher among individuals with problem recognition versus those who meet criteria for SUD based on a structured clinical interview (e.g., First et al., 2015), but who may not recognize a problem.

Given the field’s historical emphasis on abstinence-based approaches, key individual factors to treatment outcome remain more of a mystery when it comes to moderation-focused treatment, sometimes called “harm reduction”. The choice between abstinence and moderation is a pivotal decision that Substance abuse shapes a person’s successful treatment approach and addiction recovery. In the majority of cases, most people enjoy better, more effective sobriety if they abstain from all substances.