ABSTRACT
D Is abstinence the only way? It depends upon where the person is along the continuum of drug use to abuse. An individual who has had one or only a few episodes of abuse may be sufficiently chastened by the experience such that he or she will return to controlled use. An example of this would be the student who, appalled at her irresponsible behavior while intoxicated on marijuana at a school dance, takes a look at her recently excessive drug use, stops using marijuana, and adapts a more healthy life style. Another example is a college-age person who drinks excessively in an attempt to win social approval from his peers, and who comes to clinical attention because his parents are concerned. This individual may be educated by experience and start drinking in moderation. In both examples, the individuals described have not lost the capacity for moderation, and the episodes of abuse have been quite brief.
