In his article, "Portraying Abstinence Recovery as Puritanical Is in the Interest of Those Who Sell Addictive Drugs", William. Stauffer discusses the danger of not recognizing abstinence as an ultimate goal.

All people with SUDs cannot be treated the same way and for those with the more critical levels of disease, abstinence may be the only solution. To give the best chance for survival, supports must be in place. There is a real danger in thinking that harm reduction through the use of medications will work for everyone and that it is the best we can offer..