Abstinence Violation Effect (AVE)
Understanding the Abstinence Violation Effect-by Luna Sulollari
In the journey of overcoming addiction and or abstaining from an unwanted behavior, individuals often encounter a psychological phenomenon known as the abstinence violation effect (AVE). AVE impacts those who are inspired to become abstinent but experience a setback, such as a lapse or relapse. The lapse can then trigger a surge of negative emotions such as a strong sense of guilt or failure. It can lead to a significant loss of motivation and confidence in their ability to maintain their recovery.
Understanding how AVE impacts the path to overcoming addiction and the commitment to behavioral changes is pivotal. When experiencing AVE, individuals tend to internalize their lapse as a personal weakness which diminishes their self esteem. The negative internalization escalates into beliefs such as being unable to control their behaviors and that their efforts were for nothing. At this point, the individual is likely in a vulnerable state, triggering the desire to use or engage in the behavior again. The combination of these negative emotions and beliefs can further exacerbate the degree of the lapse and derail from their recovery process. Without addressing the impact that AVE has, it can inhibit the ability to achieve recovery goals.
Through shifting attention towards positive coping skills and strategies, the impact of lapse and the intensity of the AVE can be minimized. An effective approach to maintaining motivation is reframing the lapse as a setback. Setbacks are a normal part of the recovery, meaning the isolated event is not an indicator of overall failure. Instead, foster the mindset that the event was a learning opportunity which provided insight into what can be done better in the future.
The RAP strategy is a way that can help reduce the intensity of a negative thought through a realistic, adaptive and positive way of thinking. This can look like:
Realistic—Although I had a setback, I did not lose the gains that I have made in the past months. Going back to the old way of behaving will only hurt me in the future.
Adaptive—I am doing the best I can and will continue to do the best I can. I can use this lapse as a teachable moment—progress, not perfection.
Positive—I know I can do this because I have already shown it, I have a dedicated support network, and I can continue this journey one day at a time.
AVE is another challenge working against individuals on their journey to recovery. Find the best and most effective ways to manage it at Nina Yashin Psychotherapy. We have locations in Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Ardmore, serving the Main Line Philadelphia area, as well as a location in Philadelphia in Center City for therapy. Contact us today!