Equally bad can be the sense of failure and shame that a formerly “clean” individual can experience following a return to substance use. In conclusion, the abstinence violation effect is a psychological effect that impacts those in recovery, as well as those who are focused on making more positive behavioral choices in their lives. By reframing lapses as learning opportunities and teachable moments, cultivating self-compassion, and seeking support, individuals can navigate these challenges more effectively, increasing their chances of leading a healthier lifestyle. AVE occurs when someone who is striving for abstinence from a particular behavior or substance experiences a setback, such as a lapse or relapse. Instead of viewing the incident as a temporary setback, the individual perceives it as evidence of personal failure, leading to increased feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness (Collins & Witkiewitz, 2013; Larimer, Palmer, & Marlatt, 1999).
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Hopefully, one does not lose all the knowledge and experience gained along abstinence violation effect the journey. For example, I am a failure (labeling) and will never be successful with abstaining from drinking, eating healthier, or exercising (jumping to conclusions). Another example is Taylor, who has been doing a wonderful job taking walks and engaging in healthier eating. Taylor uses an app to watch her intake of calorie limit and does see positive outcomes to her new lifestyle.
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The AVE was introduced into the substance abuse literature within the context of the “relapse process” (Marlatt and Gordon 1985, p. 37). Relapse has been variously defined, depending on theoretical orientation, treatment goals, cultural context, and target substance (Miller 1996; White 2007). It is, however, most commonly used to refer to a resumption of substance use behavior after a period of abstinence from substances (Miller 1996). The term relapse may be used to describe a prolonged return to substance use, whereas lapsemay be used to describe discrete, circumscribed… The AVE was introduced into the substance abuse literature within the context of the “relapse process” (Marlatt & Gordon, 1985, p. 37). Relapse has been variously defined, depending on theoretical orientation, treatment goals, cultural context, and target substance (Miller, 1996; White, 2007).
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The Abstinence Violation Effect (AVE – think the abbreviation for avenue to help you remember it) is what happens when an individual deviates from his/her plan – and then continues to remain off that path due to frustration, shame, guilt, etc. When that person takes even one drink (”violating” their abstinence), the tendency is to think, “I really blew it…I’m a failure…might as well keep on drinking Drug rehabilitation now! ” I refer to this as a case of the “screw-it’s” (although harsher language is not uncommon!); a sense of giving up.
- Taylor uses an app to watch her intake of calorie limit and does see positive outcomes to her new lifestyle.
- This is an open-access report distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Public Domain License.
- It sheds light on the challenges individuals face when attempting to maintain abstinence and how a single lapse can trigger a surge of negative emotions, potentially leading to a full relapse or a return to unhealthy living (Collins & Witkiewitz, 2013; Larimer, Palmer, & Marlatt, 1999).
- The Abstinence Violation Effect (AVE – think the abbreviation for avenue to help you remember it) is what happens when an individual deviates from his/her plan – and then continues to remain off that path due to frustration, shame, guilt, etc.
It is, however, most commonly used to refer to a resumption of substance-use behavior after a period of abstinence from substances (Miller, 1996). The term relapse may be used to describe a prolonged return to substance use, whereas lapsemay be used to describe discrete,… The abstinence violation effect (AVE) refers to the negative cognitive and affective responses that an individual experiences after the return to substance abuse after a period of abstinence. Prolonged use of a substance causes a level or physical tolerance but after a period of abstinence that tolerance declines substantially. This is why many individuals who have been abstinent (or “clean”) for awhile accidentally overdose by starting to use again at the same level of use they were at before their abstinence period.
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It can impact someone who is trying to be abstinent from alcohol and drug use in addition to someone trying to make positive changes to their diet, exercise, and other aspects of their lives. Understanding the AVE is crucial for individuals in recovery and those focused on healthier lifestyle choices. Instead of surrendering to the negative spiral, individuals can benefit from reframing the lapse as a learning opportunity and teachable moment. Recognizing the factors that contributed to the lapse, such as stressors or triggers, helps individuals to develop strategies and techniques to navigate similar challenges in the future. Rather than labeling oneself as a failure, weak, or a loser, recognizing the effort and progress made before the lapse can provide a more balanced perspective. For Jim and Taylor, this might involve acknowledging the months of sobriety and healthier lifestyle choices and understanding that a single incident does not erase that progress.
AVE and the 12-Step Approach
One night, she craves pizza and wings, orders out, and goes over her calories for the day. This is an open-access report distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Public Domain License. You can copy, modify, distribute and perform the work, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Realistic—Although I had a setback, I did not lose the gains that I have made in the past months. Taylor may think, “All that good work down the drain, I am never going to be able to keep this up for my life.” Like Jim, this may also trigger a negative mindset and a return to unhealthy eating and a lack of physical exercise.