Abstinence Activity

For this assignment, you will need to pick an activity or substance that you really enjoy and do/use on almost a daily basis. This could be a particular food or drink (e.g., chocolate, coffee, tea, etc.) or an activity (using a specific smartphone app, playing video games, or watching TV). For two weeks, you are to totally abstain from using that substance or doing that activity. For example, if you chose coffee, you are not to use or drink coffee in any form (i.e., no lattes, no espresso, etc.).

After the two weeks are over, write a 4-5 page reflection paper that addresses the following:

1. Discuss how hard/easy it was to abstain. E.g., were you able to go the whole two weeks? How difficult was this? What helped you and/or made it more difficult?
2. Discuss how the experience of abstaining impacted your mood, your interactions with others in your life, your ability to complete daily tasks, and your feelings about yourself.
3. Discuss how your experience might compare to the experience of individuals who are in early recovery (or attempting early recovery) from substance use.
4. Discuss any ways in which the experience impacted and/or changed your ideas about what it is like for individuals struggle with substance use disorders.

As this is a reflective assignment, it is fine to use first person (e.g. I felt or I experienced).

Your paper should demonstrate critical reflection on the experience of abstaining and integrate concepts from the course with your experience.

Outside sources are not required, but if you decide to use them, you should cite in APA 7th Edition format.

Criteria & Points (Rubric)

1. All questions are answered thoroughly and completely. (10 pts)
2. Assignment demonstrates critical thinking and application of course concepts. (10 pts)
3. Assignment is formatted using APA standard guidelines, free of spelling and grammatical errors. (5 pts)

Total (out of 25 pts)

Please submit your assignment via the Turnitin Link. The assignment details and grading criteria (rubric) can be found below this content.