Temporary abstinence challenges: What do we need to know?

Abstract

Participation in temporary abstinence challenges (TAC) continues to increase with campaigns established in several countries. Temporarily abstaining from alcohol as part of such challenges is associated with ongoing benefits including reductions to alcohol consumption after the TAC. We identified three research priorities regarding TACs which are outlined in this paper. First, the role of temporary abstinence itself is unclear with post-TAC reductions in alcohol consumption still apparent among participants who do not remain fully abstinent throughout the challenge. It is necessary to establish to what degree temporary abstinence itself, rather than the combination of abstinence and the additional supports provided by TAC organisers (e.g., mobile applications, online support groups), contributes to changes in consumption after the TAC. Second, little is known about the psychological changes underlying these changes in alcohol consumption, with conflicting evidence as to whether increases in someone's belief in their ability to avoid drinking mediates the association between participation in a TAC and reductions in consumption afterwards. Other potential psychological and social mechanisms of change have been subjected to little, if any, scrutiny. Third, evidence of increased consumption post-TAC among a minority of participants indicates a need to establish for whom or in what circumstances participation in a TAC may result in unintended negative consequences. Focussing research in these areas would increase the confidence with which participation could be encouraged. It would also enable campaign messaging and additional supports to be prioritised and tailored to be as effective as possible in facilitating long-term change.