What is abstinence?
Q: What is abstinence?
A: Abstinence is a voluntary restraint from following a desire or appetite for certain bodily activities that are widely experienced as giving pleasure.
Q: In what areas can abstinence be practiced?
A: Abstinence can be practiced in regards to sexual intercourse, alcohol, food, addictive drugs, smoking and compulsive eating or drinking.
Q: Is abstinence always voluntary?
A: Yes, abstinence is usually voluntarily adopted and meant to enhance life. It differs from psychological mechanisms of repression where the abstinence is not willingly adopted.
Q: Are there any religious practices associated with abstinence?
A: Yes, in India Buddhists, Jains and some Hindus abstain from eating meat on the grounds both of health and of reverence for all sentient forms of life. Total abstinence from feeding on the flesh of cows is also a hallmark of Hinduism.
Q: Can abstinence be temporary or short-term?
A: Yes, it can be temporary or short-term goal meant for short durations of time.
Q: Is there any medical reason to practice abstinence? A: Yes, in medicine abstinence also refers to discontinuation of an addictive drug which may lead to intense craving for the drug or withdrawal syndromes. Abstinence from smoking is also recommended for those intending to undergo surgery.
