Abstinence versus moderation recovery pathways following resolution of a substance use problem: Prevalence, predictors, and relationship to psychosocial well-being in a U.S. national sample.

About half of Americans who self-identify as having resolved an AOD problem continue to use AOD in some form. It appears that, although for many abstinence is not necessary to overcome an AOD problem, it is likely to lead to better functioning and greater well-being. Further, people appear to gravitate toward abstinence/lower risk substance use with greater time since problem resolution.