Meaning And Definition Of Abstinence

Meaning and definition of abstinence can vary in many ways to many people. There are people who use it to mean staying away from tobacco, alcohol, animal flesh… and sex of course. But most often it is the meaning and definition of abstinence as related to sexuality. However to understand abstinence in totality we need to take a holistic approach. Often abstinence is a voluntary practice, but forced abstinences are not uncommon in some parts of the world, especially where religion is the issue that holds the community together. However some pursuits, especially those related to religion, require that the person practice abstinence as required by the belief to which they are attached. Abstinence can be either for the lifetime of an individual, or it can be for a limited period as well if it relates to some celebrations or endeavors. Sometimes abstinence is practiced just for the sake of pride and prestige, if it provides the individual some leverage within the community where he lives in. Let’s see the meaning and definition of abstinence and the different forms of abstinence as practiced these days as well.

ü Meaning and definition of abstinence in religion is one of the most complex forms of abstinence that is in vogue since immemorial. Members of certain cult will refrain from eating animal meat, like pork, beef. Although the reasoning behind such practice is not always understood, it is nevertheless practiced because of compulsions as arising out of religious beliefs. Salvation and liberation from soul are believed to be chief reasons for this practice. People who practice abstinence under this circumstance will have reasons that are hard to understand and cannot be probed any deeper. They don’t seek any gratification as such.

ü In medical and healthcare the meaning and definition of abstinence includes voluntary refrain from use of drugs either because the drug is causing addiction without any proportionate benefit or due to inefficacy because of sustained use over extended periods. Mostly this kind of abstinence is forced upon the person practicing abstinence with little possibility of an alternate solution.

ü Abstinence from alcohol is one of the finest examples of abstinence and does not in any way refer to moderate or casual consumption; it is the total refrain from using alcohol. Often in some societies the use of alcohol is considered as taboo. The strong bond within the community is one good reason why this abstinence is practical to be sustained throughout one’s life time.

ü Some subjects are known to practice abstinence purely for the purpose of getting out of addictions. Typical examples are tobacco chewing and smoking. It is a known fact that in any programs for addiction relief the subject is put to a period of time during which tobacco use is gradually reduced over a period until its use is moderated to acceptable levels. So it should be understood that sometimes the meaning and definition of abstinence is extended beyond the conventional understanding and includes a phased program for ultimate withdrawal from trouble causing habits like smoking and tobacco chewing. Many treatments for drug uses also come under this definition of abstinence.

ü Sexual abstinence is the most common meaning and definition of abstinence for the lay person. Sexual abstinence is also known as celibacy and may extend for the whole of a lifetime or a limited period for a specific purpose. The usual reasons attributed to sexual abstinence are medical, psychological, legal, social or religious.

a. Medical Reasons: Poor health, pregnancy, sexually transmittable diseases etc. are some of the reasons for practicing abstinence under this category. Usually it is for a predefined period in case of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases if curable, but in case of poor health it can extend for very long period; even for the whole of one’s lifetime.

b. Psychological: Mental diseases are another reason for practicing abstinence. The subject will be unable to indulge in sexual activity because they are unable to find a partner, and can be classified as falling under the forced abstinence category.

c. Celibacy: This form of abstinence is most common amongst religious heads. Usually they fall under the religious groups and they may be required to practice abstinence for the whole of their lifetime. They have little choice to change, and if at all they change, then they stand to lose their image in public. Often virtues are the reason to continue with this form of sexual abstinence. Seldom have they returned back to normal activities.

d. Legal: In some countries legal requirement make it compulsory for practicing sexual abstinence, especially amongst the women in cases where divorce litigation are before the courts.

In conclusion it may be understood that abstinence can have many forms; sometimes voluntary and sometimes forced; for limited periods or for the lifetime; religious or non-religious, legal or non-legal and so forth.

Therefore the meaning and definition of abstinence will depend upon the circumstances and situation of the person practicing abstinence.