Abstinence Reflection Paper

Students will designate an item or activity to “give up” for 5 weeks of the semester in an exercise to assess the process a person with substance use/dependence issues goes through in becoming abstinent. A written reflection will be submitted on the experiences and the giving up this item or activity as it relates to the issue of “detox” or getting “clean” in the addiction world. The reflection should discuss personal feelings about giving up the item –whether you were successful or not –and how you would relate the experience to a substance use client’s attempt to stop using a substance; what stages you may have gone through, what was the most difficult, supports, barriers, etc.

Examples of these are:

• Sodas/other beverages
• Watching television, social media
• Shopping (for shoes, hats, bags, sports equipment, etc.)
• A favorite food (chocolate, chips, spicy foods, etc.)

               Abstinence Reflection Rubric:

Criteria

Points

Description

Selection of an item or activity to abstain from

5

The student identified an item or activity that they will abstain from.

Reflection

20

The student submitted a thorough reflection of their 8-week journey of abstinence and referenced key elements from reading materials and other scholarly references. The reflection addresses implications for social work practice.

Total Points

25