In this private treatment sample of patients with substance use disorders, only 15% of patients in remission at 1 year after treatment intake were non-problem users rather than abstinent. Compared to those abstinent at 1 year, non-problem users were more likely alcohol than drug dependent. They also attended fewer 12-step meetings, which is consistent with the practice of 12-step members being told that membership requires a “sincere desire to stop” substance use. Consistent with prior research (Adamson et al., 2010), non-problem users were less likely to have goals to abstain at treatment entry. About 40% of non-problem users reported at intake that they had no plans for abstinence. Yet 60% did plan for abstinence and still used substances at 12 months, even if non-problematically.
