What Is The Abstinence Violation Effect AVE?

Another technique is that the road to abstinence is broken down to smaller achievable targets so that client can easily master the task enhancing self-efficacy. Also, therapists can provide positive feedback of achievements that the client has been able to make in other facets of life6. Another factor that may occur is the Problem of Immediate Gratification where the client settles for shorter positive outcomes and does not consider larger long term adverse consequences when they lapse. By implementing certain strategies, people can develop resilience, self-compassion, and adaptive coping skills to counteract the effects of the AVE and maintain lifelong sobriety. When one returns to substance use after a period of abstinence, they experience a negative cognitive and affective reaction known as an abstinence violation effect in psychotherapy.

In high-risk situations, the person expects alcohol to help him or her cope with negative emotions or conflict (i.e. when drinking serves as “self-medication”). Expectancies are the result of both direct and indirect (e.g. perception of the drug from peers and media) experiences3. Fortunately, professional treatment for addiction can improve outcomes for people experiencing the Abstinence Violation Effect. Twelve-month relapse rates following alcohol or drug cessation attempts can range from 60 to 90 percent, and the AVE can contribute to extended relapses. It’s important to challenge negative beliefs and cognitive distortions that may arise following a relapse. In the study of Przybylski et al.40, the results of three independent experiments (using independent samples) are reported, allowing for the calculation of several effect sizes.

Relapse Rates by Drug Type

As a consequence, we could not conduct any subgroup analyses because of the few included studies in our meta-analysis. Moreover, there was high heterogeneity between the studies, which was also observed in the meta-analysis Substance abuse of Ferguson23. In the current meta-analysis, the studies differed greatly in terms of the duration of the social media abstinence and the social media platforms and devices the participants were asked to abstain from. Although most studies used the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule42 to assess negative affect, there were few studies that used different measures for negative affect, including loneliness16 and depression43. This should be carefully considered when interpreting the results of this study. While the results of this meta-analysis mark an important point in the examination of the effects of social media disconnection on well-being, they are not conclusive.

Abstinence Violation Effect: How Does Relapse Impact Recovery?

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). It is, however, most commonly used to refer to a resumption of substance-use behavior after a period of abstinence from substances (Miller, 1996).

• This does not mean endorsing slips, but recognizing that if they occur, something needs to be done immediately.
• These patterns can be actively identified and corrected, helping participants avoid lapses before they occur and continue their recovery from substance use disorder.
• 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).
• They are the result of a series of events occurring over the course of time, explains psychologist Alan Marlatt, Ph.D.
• Furthermore, four studies in our sample combined the experiment with an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) approach.

Risk of bias assessment

While celebrating victories is important, you should also find constructive ways to acknowledge your sobriety. An individual who feels guilt often uses substances to ease their guilt, which can lead to AVE. Guilt is a difficult emotion for someone to bear, one that can constantly replay in their minds, leading them to use substances again. The Abstinence Violation Effect is a concept originally introduced by psychologist Alan Marlatt in the context of treating substance abuse. It stems from the belief that individuals who establish strict rules of abstinence may be more vulnerable to relapse when faced with a violation of those rules.

For instance, a person recovering from alcohol use disorder who has a drink may feel a sense of confusion or a lack of control and they may make unhealthy attributions or rationalizations to try to define and understand what they’re doing. In other words, AVE describes the thoughts, feelings, and actions a person goes through after they make a mistake and have a drink or abuse a substance, despite trying to quit. When people don’t have the proper tools to navigate the challenges of recovery, the AVE is more likely to occur, which can make it difficult to achieve long-term sobriety.

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• Cognitive processes may include self-blame, rumination, and heightened self-awareness.
• We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness.
• An individual may experience uncontrollable, stable attributions and feelings of shame and guilt after relapsing as a result of AVE.
• You might imagine a relapse as a single event that occurs during a moment of weakness.

The solution to managing this ambivalent relationship might lie in applying techniques that allow people to disconnect from these social media platforms12. One example of such a technique is a social media detox, also known as “social media abstinence”, which involves individuals taking a temporary break from social media for a designated period of time13,14. Over the past decade, taking such a social media break has become a popular digital disconnection strategy, that comes with the promise of improving one’s productivity, health, and well-being15. The AVE was introduced into the substance abuse literature within the context of the “relapse process” (Marlatt and Gordon 1985, p. 37).

AVE can be observed in various areas, including addictions, dietary restrictions, and impulse control. A physical relapse occurs when you take your first drug or drink after achieving sobriety. Marlatt differentiates between slipping into abstinence for the first time and totally abandoning the goal. Seeking help in time can prevent you from slipping into uncontrolled active addiction. There are many relapse prevention models used in substance abuse treatment to counter AVE and give those in recovery important tools and coping skills. Altogether, these thoughts and attributions are frequently driven by strong feelings of personal failure, defeat, and shame.

Associations between youth’s daily social media use and well-being are mediated by upward comparisons

Other more general strategies include helping the person develop positive addictions and employing stimulus-control and urge-management techniques. Researchers continue to evaluate the AVE and the efficacy of relapse prevention strategies. Several studies also did not specify which applications were considered social media applications and whether instant messaging applications were included in this definition. We advise future researchers to clearly define which applications are seen as social media. This contour-enhanced funnel plot displays the distribution of Hedges’ g effect sizes in relation to the standard error for social media abstinence studies looking at life satisfaction as an outcome. The plot appears symmetrical, suggesting the absence of significant publication bias.

AVE describes the negative, indulgent, or self-destructive feelings and behavior people often experience after lapsing during a period of abstinence. Additionally, individuals may engage in cognitive distortions or negative self-talk, such as believing that the relapse is evidence of personal weakness. 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.

‘This Time Will Be Different’

Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was performed to examine whether excluding studies using a within-subjects design would affect the findings. Next, heterogeneity between the studies was assessed based on the τ2 and I2 statistics. Studies that contributed to model heterogeneity were identified and displayed through a Baujat plot.

• Find out about the abstinence violation effect and what signs to look for in an upcoming relapse.
• Encouragement and understanding from friends, family, or support groups can help individuals overcome the negative emotional aftermath of the AVE.
• The negative emotional responses you are experiencing are related to stress, high-risk situations, or inborn anxieties.
• AVE also involves cognitive dissonance, a distressing experience people go through when their internal thoughts, beliefs, actions, or identities are put in conflict with one another.

He found himself drinking heavily again despite this violation and ending up with even more difficulties. What is the abstinence violation effect, and what are the signs of a coming relapse? AVE also involves cognitive dissonance, a distressing experience people go through when their internal thoughts, beliefs, actions, or identities are put in conflict with one another. By providing comprehensive care, our treatment programs create a supportive environment in which our clients can build a solid foundation for lasting sobriety.