Intermediate
Technical
IVT
abstinence-based treatment
Treatment approach requiring complete cessation of all substance use as the primary goal.
Full Definition
A therapeutic philosophy and treatment model that mandates complete abstinence from all psychoactive substances, including alcohol, as the sole measure of treatment success. This approach contrasts with harm reduction models and typically involves zero-tolerance policies regarding any substance use during treatment. Abstinence-based programs often incorporate 12-step methodology and view any substance use as treatment failure requiring program restart.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as an adjective before a noun.
In Context
- "The facility operates under an abstinence-based treatment model with mandatory drug testing." — Treatment program description
- "Critics argue that abstinence-based treatment may not be appropriate for all patients with severe opioid addiction." — Medical journal article
Also known as
zero-tolerance treatment
total abstinence model
Contrasted with
harm reduction
medication-assisted treatment
Don't confuse with
sobriety maintenance
abstinence monitoring