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Is Weed Addictive? What Science Says About Dependence

This factor – the lack of a high – makes it highly unlikely that anyone can find a way to “abuse” or become addicted to CBD. Since it doesn’t cause a high, it’s rare to feel a craving for CBD. People can generally stop taking it if they need to do so, and there just aren’t reports of people making poor life decisions because of it.

is cbd addictive

Interactions With Other Medications

  • This made CBD products more accessible for therapeutic and wellness purposes.
  • Still, there’s one more thing we’d like to cover before we move on to the benefits of CBD for addicted individuals.
  • Because it typically takes five half-lives before a drug is completely cleared from your system, it can take more than 12 days to completely rid your body of CBD.
  • One other side effect is CBD may slow the metabolization of certain drugs, if you’re on a prescription or have a serious condition it’s advised you get professional advice before taking CBD.

People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience sleep problems, including nightmares and insomnia. These difficulties can lead to sleep deprivation, which may make PTSD symptoms worse. I’m not going to lie – I can taste the CBD oil in my coffee, but that doesn’t mean it’s exactly unpleasant. It can have a faintly earthy, hempy taste, which I got used to after a while and actually came to enjoy.

is cbd addictive

Want cannabis news and updates?

You can find help for addiction by seeking out information online or speaking with your doctor. Alcohol abuse, opioid use, and stimulants are fast to develop a dependence—where the body needs the substance to function. Those who try to kick the habit can experience serious withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening. Certain substances are more inherently physically addictive than others.

  • If you experience this, consider taking CBD in the evening or reducing your dosage.
  • While both compounds come from the cannabis plant, they have vastly different effects.
  • The good news is that CBD has been heavily studied, and the determination is that it is not an addictive substance.
  • CBD does not produce the same effects as its psychoactive cousin, nor is it considered an addictive substance.
  • Selecting high-quality CBD products plays a critical role in ensuring safe and effective use.
  • Digestive issues like diarrhea, reduced appetite, and nausea can occur.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD Products

Unfortunately, the effects of THC intoxication include paranoia or anxiety. Without proper microdosing, anxiety patients may accidentally do more harm than good. Whichever the case may be, research suggests CBD helps increase sleep quality. A 2019 experiment in The Permanente Journal examined psychiatric patients who experienced anxiety or poor sleep. But insomnia can have many causes, including poor mental health, stress, a sleep disorder, or other underlying condition. For example, a 2007 study in the British Journal of Pharmacology discovered that CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic against chronic pain in rodent subjects.

is cbd addictive

The only FDA-approved CBD-based medication is called Epidiolex for the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy. However, the FDA has not approved CBD for other uses, such as mental health conditions, chronic neuropathic pain management or substance use disorders. Researchers need to carry out large-scale, high-quality clinical trials to thoroughly investigate the potential medical applications of CBD.

We and our partners process data to provide:

All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction. In December 2015, the FDA eased the regulatory is cannabidiol addictive requirements to allow researchers to conduct CBD trials. In 2018, the Farm Bill made hemp legal in the United States, making it virtually impossible to keep CBD illegal — that would be like making oranges legal, but keeping orange juice illegal.

The evidence for cannabidiol health benefits

  • However, it’s still important to keep in mind that CBD is not well-regulated, and its side effects may change when used in combination with other substances.
  • This suggests that experimentation with drugs and alcohol at a young age may affect one’s tolerance and the likelihood of abuse in the future.
  • However, it is also important to be aware that CBD does have some potential side effects.
  • Alcohol addiction is another prevalent issue worldwide, with significant social and health consequences.
  • Yes, CBD for pain relief is non-addictive and safe for managing everyday aches and pains.

Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Order before our daily cut off times for guaranteed next day delivery.We do not deliver on weekends. To sum up the previous paragraphs, you just can’t get addicted to CBD. While the amount of CBD you need over time can change, and you might miss CBD if you suddenly stop taking it, this is widely recognized as one of the safest supplements out there. It’s a legitimate question to ask, with this popular supplement popping up in everything from fizzy water to topical muscle rubs. It’s not easy to overdose on CBD, but science is trying to narrow down the numbers for toxic vs. beneficial doses.

How to Overcome an Addiction: 16 Tips for Recovery

how to overcome alcoholism on your own

The more specific, realistic, and clear your goals, the better. If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional. Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional. It’s common to experience difficulty when Sober living house making big changes, but good self-care practices can help you manage overwhelming feelings and take care of your mind and body. But maybe you’re unsure about quitting completely and don’t want to hold yourself to that goal. One thing that has kept me sober is that I no longer wanted to be the person I was as a drinker.

Building a Support Network

how to overcome alcoholism on your own

In January 2020, more than 6 million people reportedly participated in Dry January, a campaign to reduce alcohol consumption organized by Alcohol Change UK. Follow-up research suggested that most tended to drink in healthier amounts afterward. “Once you have a sense of how much you’re drinking, it’s helpful to track how many drinks you’re having per day,” says Witkiewitz. “You could use a calendar, journal or any number of tracking apps.” Drink Control Alcohol Tracker or Less are two examples of free tracking apps available on iOS devices. You’ll get a 100% custom plan, then use daily texts to track your progress and help you stay on target. A sober life doesn’t have to mean more time at home as you try to block out triggers.

how to overcome alcoholism on your own

A Supportive Sober Community: 8 free alcohol support groups

Stopping alcohol use abruptly is the riskiest way to quit drinking. If you feel physical cravings or withdrawal symptomswhen you quit drinking, you shouldn’t try to stop cold turkey. Write down your goals and keep them somewhere visible as a daily reminder of your commitment to sobriety. Having a clear vision of what you want to accomplish helps you stay motivated and focused on making positive changes in your life.

how to overcome alcoholism on your own

Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehab In Indiana

Alcoholic support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, provide free help for people struggling to quit drinking. Peoplewith minor alcohol problems or people who have already received treatment for moderate or severe alcohol problems usuallybenefit from AA. Dr. Kevin Wandler of The Recovery Village describes the potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that can occur when a person quits drinkingalcohol cold turkey. You can find out if you’re addicted to alcohol by taking analcoholism assessment quiz. These quizzes help you determine whether you meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder— the medical term for alcoholism, alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse.

how to overcome alcoholism on your own

They also give useful ideas for how to overcome alcoholism support strategies and even more tips to help you to get your drinking under control. The site also delivers a list of sobering statistics about the reality of alcoholism. These statistics remind you that you’re often one bad decision away from completely ruining your life.

How Long Do Stimulants ADHD Meds, Meth, Cocaine Stay In Your System?

how long do amphetamines stay in your system

Factors that will cause detection type to vary, such as an individual’s metabolism and the level of amphetamine consumption. Amphetamines can be identified in a person’s urine for up to 72 hours after ingestion, depending on urine pH and individual differences. Regular amphetamine users may produce positive urine tests for up to four days after the last dose. Peak effects from Vyvanse will occur approximately 5 hours after taking your dose. The duration of action of Vyvanse is around hours, depending on the individual.

Urine Tests

The dosage and frequency of use can impact detection windows. An individual might eliminate a single dose relatively quickly. However, chronic use can lead to a buildup in the body, so it takes longer for the drugs to be eliminated. Higher purity may result in a more predictable metabolism, whereas adulterated products might contain other chemicals that alter the drug’s breakdown and elimination. With methamphetamine, it is common to detect for up to three days.

Signs of Stimulant Abuse

how long do amphetamines stay in your system

Learn more about how long it takes to feel the effects of these amphetamines. Amphetamines are the second most commonly used drugs in the world, after cannabis. An estimated 0.4%, or 964,000 people in the US, aged 12 or older had a methamphetamine use disorder in 2017.

how long do amphetamines stay in your system

How Long Does Amphetamine Stay in Saliva?

how long do amphetamines stay in your system

Our team of experienced therapists, medical professionals, and staff provide genuine support and expert care. Can detect amphetamines for up to 90 days, Sober living home as the drug is stored in hair follicles and can be traced as hair grows. When someone who’s been using amphetamines regularly suddenly decides to cut back or stop, withdrawal symptoms can kick in. It’s not an easy process, and it can feel tough, with symptoms ranging from mild to intense.

how long do amphetamines stay in your system

Blood Test for Amphetamines

how long do amphetamines stay in your system

There are numerous variables that can influence how long Adderall remains in your body before it is metabolized. Amphetamine withdrawal is typically mostly psychological, with mood, thinking, and sleep disturbances, along with difficult cravings, being the most intense symptoms. How much and how often someone uses amphetamines will greatly impact how quickly they can eliminate it from their body. Amphetamines can be smoked, injected, snorted or taken in pill form.

  • Generally, amphetamines can be detected in urine for up to 2-4 days after use, although heavy or chronic use may extend this window to up to a week.
  • As the body’s pH levels inevitably affect urine pH, urine that carries a high acidic content can eliminate as much as 60 percent of amphetamine materials per dose.
  • For instance, Adderall XR (extended-release) contains beads that slowly release the active ingredient over 8–12 hours 1.
  • Experts report that some people may benefit from antidepressant medications as they complete the withdrawal process.
  • A detox treatment program can help manage the physical and psychological symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal.

Hair tests may be biased based on a person’s how long do amphetamines stay in your system hair color — darker hair contains more methamphetamine than lighter-colored hair because the drug binds better to melanin in dark hair. Drugs travel from the bloodstream to the hair follicles and can be detected about seven to 10 days after intake. Hair structure, growth rate, melanin content, hygiene, and cosmetic hair treatment may affect the concentration of drugs in the hair. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) 2 has categorized them as Schedule II controlled substances.

  • In this strategy, both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously.
  • Methamphetamine will stay in the plasma for four to six hours.
  • Drugs go from the bloodstream to hair follicles and can be detected about between 7-0 days after ingestion.
  • If you are abusing amphetamines, other drugs, or alcohol, we urge you to seek treatment as soon as possible.
  • Vyvanse will begin having a therapeutic effect around 1.5 to 2 hours after taking your dose.
  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a central nervous system stimulant medication just like Adderall.

Today, clandestine laboratory production of amphetamines has mushroomed, and the abuse of the drug has increased dramatically. Since the 1930’s, some choose (instead of or after treatment or rehab options) the twelve step model of recovery. Someone with a dysfunctional kidney or liver will have a harder time eliminating the toxins from amphetamines from their body. A person’s body weight and height determine how quickly they can eliminate a substance from their body. Our age plays a role in how our organs function as well as our rates of metabolism.

Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: Causes, Treatment, and More

cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome triggers

Propranolol is a nonspecific, lipophilic beta-1/beta-2-blocker that has been used to treat CVS, particularly in pediatric patients 119. The exact cause of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be linked to long-term, heavy cannabis use. Cannabis affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various functions like mood, appetite, and pain.

  • When people with CHS stop using marijuana, their symptoms of nausea and vomiting usually disappear.
  • Many individuals either avoid seeking medical help or don’t mention their marijuana use during a doctor’s visit.
  • To lower the morbidity, CHS is best managed by an interprofessional team.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Review of Potential Mechanisms

cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome triggers

Indeed, the symptoms of pesticide poisoning are different than the symptoms of CHS. In addition, since pesticides are not exclusive to cannabis, there would be many similar cases that would not be solved with cannabis abstinence. While pesticides can lead to adverse health problems, this is likely not the cause of CHS. This could be another contributing factor in the pathophysiology of CHS (Fig. 1). Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a subtype of cyclic vomiting syndrome, causes repeated nausea and vomiting, with symptoms resolving during the recovery phase after cannabis cessation.

Understanding Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome

  • It’s important to check with the insurance provider to confirm coverage details for specific treatments related to CHS.
  • In one small study of eight patients hospitalized with CHS, four of the five who stopped using weed recovered from CHS.
  • Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that affects regular marijuana smokers, particularly those with chronic cannabinoid use.
  • A case series from France reported on 19 cases of CHS from 2012 to 2016, with the majority of patients male, with a mean age of 29.8 years (range 20–48 years), and all regular cannabis users with an average daily consumption of 10 cigarettes per day (range 2–20).
  • Chronic or excessive use of cannabinoids may also stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system in addition to disrupting the endocannabinoid system.
  • One doctor reported using injectable lorazepam to help control nausea and vomiting symptoms in an adult.

Because you still believe marijuana helps nausea, you might use it more often, accidentally making your condition worse. The ongoing but mild nature of this phase can fool people into thinking they just have a sensitive stomach or deal with morning sickness. CHS is a newly identified condition, so doctors currently know little about it. No clinical guidelines exist, so they must rely on published case reports to treat people with CHS. The only treatments available to people with CHS are those that restore hydration and help control nausea and vomiting. However, many experts consider these treatments to be ineffective for managing nausea and vomiting in people with CHS.

Acute cannabinoid-induced nausea and vomiting

cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome triggers

You’ll stay in the hospital until you can hold down regular meals and your vomiting subsides. Diagnosing CHS might take time because not all medical professionals are familiar with it yet. You might need to share specific details or request a referral to a specialist, like a gastroenterologist, if symptoms persist. But once you and your provider identify CHS, you can start working on an effective plan to stop the cycle of vomiting. People might need to skip work, school, or social activities because they’re too sick to function normally.

  • Pregnant women may not be forthcoming about their marijuana use, which can complicate diagnosis 121.
  • Current findings suggest that the body’s naturally stored cannabinoids might eventually overwhelm receptors in the gut or other systems, flipping the usual script where cannabis often helps with nausea.
  • Some people with CHS require pain relievers if abdominal pain is present.
  • Hyperemesis syndrome is a condition marked by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by abdominal pain and dehydration.

Hot showers for symptomatic relief were reported by 17/19 patients 128. Marijuana cessation was recommended to all patients, but there was no long-term follow-up. Unlike CVS and PV, CHS is not usually relieved by antiemetic pharmacological therapy, but many patients exhibit the learned behavior of taking hot showers and baths for temporary symptomatic relief. In some cases, IV haloperidol or lorazepam (for anxiety) may provide relief for the CHS patient 14, 89. In the literature, there is one case report of “atypical CHS” in which the patient found relief from cold showers or other ways to chill himself (use of a fan, lying on cold marble floor) but this case must be viewed as an outlier 99. Treatment guidelines published by the San Diego Emergency Medicine Oversight Commission recommend supportive care (rehydration), patient education, and counsel to stop the use of cannabinoids 100.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome triggers

In the context of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), hyperemesis syndrome is a critical component, with patients experiencing recurrent episodes of severe vomiting, persistent nausea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be debilitating, leading to significant discomfort and health complications. On the second visit, CHS was diagnosed and the patients were treated with capsaicin cream 0.025% applied in a layer approximately 1 mm thick on the abdomen. In both cases, topical capsaicin provided symptomatic relief in about 30 min.

cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome triggers

Recognizing the symptoms and their severity can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition. Doctors have only identified cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in the recent past. That means a lot of research is still ongoing to figure out exactly why it happens. Current findings suggest that the body’s naturally stored cannabinoids might eventually overwhelm receptors in the gut or other systems, flipping the usual script where cannabis often helps with nausea.

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a form of functional gut-brain axis disorder characterized by bouts of episodic nausea and vomiting worsened by cannabis intake. It is considered as a variant of cyclical vomiting syndrome seen in cannabis users especially characterized by compulsive hot bathing/showers to relieve the symptoms. CHS was reported for the first time in 2004, and since then, an increasing number of cases have been reported.

Health Conditions

Medications are sometimes used to manage symptoms, but they aren’t always fully effective Sobriety in controlling severe vomiting. Doctors might try anti-nausea drugs or pain relievers, but real progress usually hinges on quitting cannabis. If vomiting is so frequent that you’re dangerously dehydrated, you might need hospital care. In that setting, medical staff can give you IV fluids, add electrolytes, and provide nutrition if you can’t keep food down. When you stop using cannabis entirely, you can step into the recovery phase.

Management and Treatment

  • However, he opposes recreational legalization — or even casual medical legalization where the difference gets blurred.
  • In serious cases, doctors might insert a nasogastric tube, which goes through your nose into your stomach.
  • By Anna GiorgiGiorgi is a freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience writing health and wellness-related content.
  • With liberalization of marijuana laws and favorable public opinion about the healing properties of cannabis, CHS may be more frequently observed in clinical practice.
  • Research suggests that CB1 receptors regulate the effects of marijuana on the gastrointestinal tract.
  • One possible treatment option involves the use of benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, to control nausea and vomiting.

This factor is a key distinguishing feature from cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, where the toxicokinetics of cannabis itself influence the course of the disease. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) happens when you have cycles of chs symptoms and signs nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain after using cannabis (marijuana) for a long time. People with CHS often find temporary relief from these symptoms by taking hot baths and showers.

Understanding the Harm Reduction Model Controlled Drinking

Psychologically, you might be dealing with a range of emotions from guilt over past incidents to anxiety about future relapses. Also, consider your health – excessive drinking can lead to serious conditions like liver disease or heart problems. It’s heartbreaking to see loved ones caught in the grip of addiction, but there’s hope – research shows that many people find success with programmes aimed at reducing consumption. Alcohol moderation management programmes are often successful when tailored to an individual’s specific needs and circumstances. The effectiveness of these programmes can greatly vary depending on several factors such as treatment duration, individual factors, and programme challenges. Non-abstainers are younger with less time in recovery and less problem severitybut worse QOL than abstainers.

  • This approach underestimates the compulsive nature of addiction and the neurological changes that occur with prolonged alcohol misuse.
  • We believe in the power of personalised therapy, where our experts tailor a recovery plan suited to your needs and circumstances.
  • They reject controlled drinking—drinking moderate but never excessive amounts—as a goal of treatment, believingthat such a goal is harmful to the alcoholic.
  • Alcohol moderation management programmes are often successful when tailored to an individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
  • A “controlled drinking controversy” followed, in which the Sobells as well as those who supported them were publicly criticized due to their claims about controlled drinking, and the validity of their research called into question (Blume, 2012; Pendery, Maltzman, & West, 1982).

4 Stepwise regressions: Quality of life (QOL)

A key aspect of abstinence is understanding and navigating through the withdrawal process – a daunting task indeed but necessary for recovery. The severity of these symptoms can vary widely depending on how much you are drinking, how frequently, and your overall physical health. Cultural perspectives on alcohol also influence our attitudes towards its use and misuse, shaping norms around what constitutes acceptable levels of consumption. While some cultures romanticise heavy drinking others promote temperance; being aware of these cultural influences can aid in reshaping your own relationship with alcohol and eliminate harmful drinking patterns. Whether you’re considering moderation or complete abstinence, this article will provide information about how to begin an Alcohol Moderation Management (AMM), its effectiveness, potential drawbacks, and its applicability to people dealing with alcoholism.

Theoretical and empirical rationale for nonabstinence treatment

Remember that every person’s journey is unique; there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for managing alcohol intake. People suffering from alcohol addiction will thrive in absolute abstinence and find solace in sobriety groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, while others will less severe drinking habits will be able to manage their relationship with alcohol through controlled moderation techniques without feeling deprived or isolated socially. Multivariable stepwise regressions (Table2) show that younger individuals were significantly more likely to benon-abstinent, and movement to the next oldest age category reduced the odds ofnon-abstinence by an average of 27%.

controlled drinking vs abstinence

“It is essentially a practical approach; success is not measured by the achievement of an “ideal” drinking level or situation (i.e., abstention or low-risk levels), but by whether the introduction of the prevention measure reduces the chance that adverse consequences will occur” (NCBI). Pharmacological extinction as an outcome of treatment works because it assists in undoing, or reversing, the conditioning in the brain. When Selincro is taken prior to drinking, and alcohol is consumed, the brain will release endorphins, but receptors will block the endorphins from being able to bind to them.

Is Controlled Drinking Possible for Alcoholics?

In studies by McCabe (1986) and Nordström and Berglund (1987), CD outcomes exceeded abstinence during follow-up of patients 15 and more years after treatment. Alcoholic remission many years after treatment may depend less on treatment than on posttreatment experiences, and in some long-term studies, CD outcomes become more prominent the longer subjects are out of the treatment milieu, because patients unlearn the abstinence prescription that prevails there (Peele, 1987). As the IP had a successful outcome, six months after treatment, their possibilities for CD might be better than for persons with SUD in general.

controlled drinking vs abstinence

In addition, no priorstudy has examined whether quality of life differs among those in abstinent vs.non-abstinent recovery in a sample that includes individuals who have attained longperiods of recovery. Here we discuss exploratory analyses of differences between abstinentand nonabstinent individuals who defined themselves as “in recovery” fromAUDs. A better understanding of the factors related tonon-abstinent recovery will help clinicians advise patients regarding appropriatetreatment goals. Harm reduction therapy has also been applied in group format, mirroring the approach and components of individual harm reduction psychotherapy but with added focus on building social support and receiving feedback and advice from peers (Little, 2006; Little & Franskoviak, 2010). These groups tend to include individuals who use a range of substances and who endorse a range of goals, including reducing substance use and/or substance-related harms, controlled/moderate use, and abstinence (Little, 2006). Additionally, some groups target individuals with co-occurring psychiatric disorders (Little, Hodari, Lavender, & Berg, 2008).

Harm Reduction for Alcohol

There is also a need for updated research examining standards of practice in community SUD treatment, including acceptance of non-abstinence goals and facility policies such as administrative discharge. Despite the reported relationship between severity and CD outcomes, many diagnosed alcoholics do Substance abuse control their drinking. The Rand study quantified the relationship between severity of alcohol dependence and controlled-drinking outcomes, although, overall, the Rand population was a severely alcoholic one in which “virtually all subjects reported symptoms of alcohol dependence” (Polich, Armor, and Braiker, 1981). Edwards et al. (1983) reported that controlled drinking is more unstable than abstinence for alcoholics over time, but recent studies have found that controlled drinking increases over longer follow-up periods. Finney and Moos (1991) reported a 17 percent “social or moderate drinking” rate at 6 years and a 24 percent rate at 10 years.

Harm Reduction VS Abstinence

controlled drinking vs abstinence

This model both accelerated the spread of AA and NA and helped establish the abstinence-focused 12-Step program at the core of mainstream addiction treatment. By 1989, treatment center referrals accounted for 40% of new AA memberships (Mäkelä et al., 1996). This standard persisted in SUD treatment even as strong evidence emerged that a minority of individuals who receive 12-Step treatment achieve and maintain long-term abstinence (e.g., Project MATCH Research Group, 1998). The WIR data do not include current dependence diagnoses, which would beuseful for further understanding of those in non-abstinent recovery. In addition, the WIRquality of life measure is based on a single question; future studies could useinstruments that detail various aspects of mental and physical functioning.

  • Multivariable stepwise regressions estimating the probability of non-abstinentrecovery and average quality of life.
  • Williams and Mee-Lee (2019) have discussed this shift in the 12-step programme and argue that current 12-step-based treatment settings promote practices that run contrary to the spirit of AA.
  • Potential correlates of non-abstinent recovery, such as demographics andtreatment history, were based on NESARC results.

Models of nonabstinence psychosocial treatment for SUD

controlled drinking vs abstinence

Harm reduction provides a good method for matching these individuals at that stage and providing motivational incentives (e.g., discussing the negative consequences the person is experiencing) to motivate their desire for positive change” (Marlatt & Witkiewitz, 2002). In sum, research suggests that achieving and sustaining moderate substance use after treatment is feasible for between one-quarter to one-half of individuals with AUD when defining moderation as nonhazardous drinking. While there is evidence that a subset of individuals who use drugs engage in low-frequency, non-dependent drug use, there is insufficient research on this population to determine the proportion for whom moderation is a feasible treatment goal. However, among individuals with severe SUD and high-risk drug or alcohol use, the urgency of reducing substance-related harms presents a compelling argument for engaging these individuals in harm reduction-oriented treatment and interventions. In addition to issues with administrative discharge, abstinence-only treatment may contribute to high rates of individuals not completing SUD treatment. About 26% of all U.S. treatment episodes end by individuals leaving the treatment program prior to treatment completion (SAMHSA, 2019b).

In 1988 legislation was passed prohibiting the use of federal funds to support syringe access, a policy which remained in effect until 2015 even as numerous studies demonstrated the effectiveness of SSPs in reducing disease transmission (Showalter, 2018; Vlahov et al., 2001). Despite these obstacles, SSPs and their advocates grew into a national and international harm reduction movement (Des Jarlais, 2017; Friedman, Southwell, Bueno, & Paone, 2001). The results of the Sobell’s studies challenged the prevailing understanding of abstinence as the only acceptable outcome for SUD treatment and raised a number of conceptual and methodological issues (e.g., the Sobell’s liberal definition of controlled drinking; see McCrady, 1985). A “controlled drinking controversy” followed, in which the Sobells as well as those who supported them were publicly criticized due to their claims about controlled drinking, and the validity of their research called into question (Blume, 2012; Pendery, Maltzman, & West, 1982). Despite the intense controversy, the Sobell’s high-profile research paved the way for additional studies of nonabstinence treatment for AUD in the 1980s and later (Blume, 2012; Sobell & Sobell, 1995). Marlatt, in particular, became well known for developing nonabstinence treatments, such as BASICS for college drinking (Marlatt et al., 1998) and Relapse Prevention (Marlatt & Gordon, 1985).