Abstinence Isn't the Goal
In this personal talk, Dallas Bragg argues that framing abstinence as the sole measure of success in addiction recovery is unrealistic and harmful. He cites data showing that crystal meth relapse rates are highest in the first year, emphasizing that using a binary success‑fail mindset sets people up for disappointment. Bragg proposes a more nuanced metric: tracking use versus non‑use rather than labeling any use as total failure. He illustrates how, when abstinence is the only goal, individuals may experience a void after reaching it, leading them to seek other forms of protection—such as entering relationships or relying on meetings. Bragg shares his own experience of marrying a woman to avoid confronting his gay identity, describing this as a “beard” that temporarily shielded him but ultimately intensified his pain, culminating in suicidal ideation. The core message is that unaddressed underlying issues—identity, trauma, mental health—will surface regardless of substance use, so recovery must address the root causes, not just enforce abstinence.
