Some researchers propose that the self-control required to maintain behavior change strains motivational resources, and that this "fatigue" can undermine subsequent self-control efforts [78]. Consistent with this idea, EMA studies have shown that social drinkers report greater alcohol consumption and violations of self-imposed drinking limits on days when self-control demands are high [79]. Limit violations were predictive of responses consistent with the AVE the following day, and greater distress about violations in turn predicted greater drinking [80]. Findings also suggested that these relationships varied based on individual differences, suggesting the interplay of static and dynamic factors in AVE responses. Evidence further suggests that practicing routine acts of self-control can reduce short-term incidence of relapse. For instance, Muraven [81] conducted a study in which participants were randomly assigned to practice small acts self-control acts on a daily basis for two weeks prior to a smoking cessation attempt. Compared to a control group, those who practiced self-control showed significantly longer time until relapse in the following month.
