How Does the Abstinence Violation Effect Impact Addiction Recovery?
Recovery from addiction is often a challenging journey; one that is more often than not marked by setbacks. For many of the people that we work with at our clinic who are trying to establish themselves in recovery, relapses are a common occurrence. How these experiences are handled can have important implications for sustaining recovery.
One of the features of a relapse that can be especially hard is a psychological phenomena called the the Abstinence Violation Effect.
In this post blog post, we are going to break down what the Abstinence Violation Effect, how it can impact people with addiction and what implications this has for those working to find recovery.
What is the Abstinence Violation Effect?
The Abstinence Violation Effect refers to the emotional and cognitive response that occurs when an individual who has committed to abstinence from a particular behavior, such as substance use, experiences a lapse or a slip. This slip might be single drink or drug use after a period of sobriety. The Abstinence Violation Effect is characterized by intense feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame, often leading to a sense of hopelessness and the belief that recovery is not achievable and the person has failed.
Abstinence Violation Effect is not just about the lapse itself but the way the individual interprets and responds to it. For many, the initial slip is seen as a catastrophic failure, leading to a "what's the point?" attitude, which can drive them back into full-blown substance use. This is particularly dangerous because it can turn what might have been a single, manageable lapse into a full relapse, undoing the progress made in recovery.
The Psychological Mechanisms Behind Abstinence Violation Effect
Several psychological mechanisms contribute to the Abstinence Violation Effect:
All-or-Nothing Thinking: This is a way of thinking that is referred to as a cognitive distortion; a distortion which is commonly experience among those struggling with addiction. When a person in recovery slips, they may perceive it as a complete failure rather than a minor setback. This black-and-white thinking exacerbates feelings of guilt and self-blame.
Self-Blame and Shame: After a lapse, individuals often engage in harsh self-criticism. They may feel weak, hopeless, and unable to maintain control over their lives. This self-blame can spiral into deeper shame, making it harder to regain a positive mindset and recommit to recovery.
Loss of Self-Efficacy: Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s ability to achieve goals. A lapse can significantly reduce this belief, leading to a sense of powerlessness. When individuals lose faith in their ability to maintain sobriety, they are more likely to give up on their recovery efforts and goals.
Implications of Abstinence Violation Effect for Recovery
Understanding the Abstinence Violation Effect is important for those in recovery and those supporting them, as it can have significant implications:
Increased Risk of Full Relapse: As mentioned earlier, the Abstinence Violation Effect can turn a small slip into a full relapse. The negative emotions associated with the effect can push individuals back into their old patterns of behaviour, undoing all the hard work they’ve put into their recovery.
Impact on Mental Health: The guilt, shame, and self-blame associated with Abstinence Violation Effect can exacerbate mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These feelings can become overwhelming, leading to further substance use as a way to cope with the distress.
Challenges in Maintaining Long-Term Recovery: Abstinence Violation Effect can make it more difficult for individuals to maintain long-term sobriety. If they are unable to see lapses as part of the recovery process and instead view them as personal failures, they are less likely to stay committed to their recovery plan.
Strategies to Mitigate Abstinence Violation Effect
Given the risks that the Abstinence Violation Effect can pose to those in recovery, we have outlined some steps you can take to reduce its impact which our clients have found to be helpful:
Cognitive Restructuring: By reframing a lapse as a learning opportunity rather than a failure, you can reduce the intensity of the Abstinence Violation Effect by breaking out of all-or-nothing thinking which can cause a slip to become a full relapse.
Developing Self-Compassion: Trying to practice self-compassion can help mitigate the shame and guilt associated with a lapse. Understanding that lapses are common and not indicative of a lack of willpower or moral failure can reduce the negative emotional impact of Abstinence Violation Effect.
Building a Strong Support System: Having a support system can provide the encouragement and perspective needed to overcome the Abstinence Violation Effect. Sharing with trusted friends, family, and support groups can help you see that recovery is a journey with ups and downs, and that a lapse does not define one’s overall progress.
Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan: Having a plan in place for dealing with potential lapses can empower individuals in recovery. Knowing how to respond to a slip can prevent the Abstinence Violation Effect from taking hold and turning a minor lapse into a major setback.
The Abstinence Violation Effect is an important psychological phenomenon that can derail recovery from addiction. Understanding its mechanisms and implications is valuable for anyone involved in the recovery process. By recognizing and mitigating the effects of Abstinence Violation Effect, individuals can maintain a healthier perspective on their recovery journey - Recovery is not about perfection; it’s about perseverance, resilience, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks with renewed determination.
If you are looking for professional support or want to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to recovery please contact us.
