Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.350

Abstinence Achieved – What Comes Next? Challenges Following the Establishment of Abstinence

Martina Bojanić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia *
Andrea Tomić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia
Zrnka Kovačić Petrović ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia
Alemka Kulenović Somun ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Jelić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Maroević ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The contemporary approach to addiction treatment
goes beyond viewing abstinence as the final
therapeutic goal. In clinical practice, the greatest
emphasis is often placed on motivating patients
to enter treatment, accept therapy, and achieve
abstinence. Although these goals are crucial, less
attention is frequently paid to the period following
the establishment of initial abstinence, when
a new type of motivation is needed – an answer
to the question: Why remain abstinent? Although
abstinence is a necessary precondition for recovery,
in itself it does not guarantee long‑term
stability or an improved quality of life. After abstinence
is established, patients often face feelings
of emptiness, loss of identity, damaged relationships,
lack of meaning and belonging, and
difficulties in finding new sources of satisfaction.
At this stage, they may feel discouraged when confronted with life without the addictive substance,
and these very challenges are important
risk factors for worsening of the disorder and a
return to addictive patterns of behavior. It can
be said that the real recovery process begins only
after abstinence is achieved. In this phase, it is
important to help the patient not experience abstinence
solely as an externally imposed demand
by the therapist or environment, but as an opportunity
to build a higher‑quality life. Such an
approach creates space for additional motivation,
personal growth, resilience, and acceptance of the
challenges that are integral to the change process.
Therapeutic approaches will be presented that
focus on achieving sustained abstinence, that is,
on attaining recovery that enables individuals to
build a fulfilled, meaningful, and authentic life.

Keywords

abstinence; addiction; recovery; meaning

Hrčak ID:

353115

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/353115

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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