Is Complete Abstinence from Use of Paychoactive Substances Necessary for Recovery?

Can a sober alcoholic in recovery who has no history3. Use of any drug will have an adverse effect on
of abuse of marijuana, use marijuanawithout risk ofalready damaged neurotransmitter systemsin the
relapse into alcohol use or of developing otherreward pathway of the brain.
problems. Can a heroin addict inrecovery (abstinent4. The resulting high from the new substance will not
from heroin use) who has no history of problemsbe the effect of the person's DOC (notthe high
with use of alcohol, usealcohol without risk of relapsedesired)
into heroin use or of developing other problems? The5. Recovery is an all or nothing proposition; either
generalrule in abstinence based treatment models inyou're sober or clean or you're not.
the U.S., usually Twelve Step based programs, isthat6. Use of the substance will undoubtedly occur in the
once an individual has developed an addiction to onecompany of "slippery" people and in
class of substances, assuming theindividual's goal is"slippery" places, causing cravings and possible relapse
abstinence from use of that class of substance, that("slippery" meaning dangerous toabstinence or
individual can nolonger safely use any other drugrecovery).
(including alcohol), regardless of history of use of the7. Use will result in loss of 12 Step or other
otherdrug.abstinence supports because the person will haveto
Here are some of the reasons for the position thatlie, keep secret the drug use from 12 Step members.
complete abstinence from all psychoactiveThis is also dangerous because itinvolves a return to
substances is necessary for recovery from addiction:old behaviors of dishonesty, etc.
1. Use of any drug will result in impaired judgment8. Use will have an adverse effect on spirituality
(may lead back to drug of choice (DOC)).(addicts and alcoholics have made theirsubstances a
2. Substitution--the person may develop a newHigher Power).
addiction.