In the context of addiction treatment, what does the term "short-term sobriety" refer to?

The term "short-term sobriety" refers to periods of abstinence from substances that may not be sustained long-term. This concept acknowledges that individuals may experience temporary success in avoiding substances, but this may not lead to enduring sobriety. Short-term sobriety is often characterized by an initial phase of recovery where a person refrains from substance use, yet there remains a vulnerability to relapse or a return to previous patterns of use. It highlights the importance of recognizing that achieving lasting recovery can involve multiple attempts over time and that short-term periods of abstinence can be part of the recovery journey.

In contrast, the other options depict different aspects of substance use. Permanent abstinence refers to a stable, lifelong commitment to avoiding substances altogether, while short breaks imply brief, non-committed durations of reduced use without the intent to achieve long-term sobriety. Attempts at moderation suggest a strategy where a person aims to control their usage rather than abstaining completely, which does not align with the concept of short-term sobriety in addiction treatment contexts.