Abstinenceⁱ is generally a complete and total avoidance of an activity such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, or gambling. It is commonly used as a strategy for avoiding problem or dangerous addictive behaviors.
The 12-step model used by Alcoholics Anonymousⁱ and similar support groups advocates total abstinence from addictive substances.
​This is because many researchers believe even a single exposure to an addictive substance can trigger addictive behavior in someone with a substance abuse problem.