Periods of abstinence can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the outcome.
Getting away from the drug for a while can give you a chance to see the problem more clearly and to make better choices for the future which seemed impossible while you were stoned.
These choices can lead your life into the light again and away from the grip of your drug addiction.
But taking a "short break" from addictive drugs can sometimes cause even greater problems.
With some drugs, the tolerance built up by the addict's body to that substance can subside during the break and on the next relapse, the danger of over-dose is much higher.
Now, the former usual dosage might be deadly.
Beyond the problems of overdose, there are psychological troubles that result from the relapse.
Every relapse tends to convince the user more and more that they are in a hopeless situation and that there is no use in trying to stop.
As a result, it is usually harder to quit the second time and even harder the third, etc.
Eventually, even suggesting to the addict they give it another try brings out intense anger followed by depression and a feeling of hopelessness.
A period of abstinence is a very delicate and important time for the addict.
He or she might make the mistake of thinking, "That was not so hard, I can quit anytime I want to!" and go right out to get high again because the Actual Causes of Addiction Were Never Really Addressed! The solution to addiction is to do it right, this time.
Addiction does have specific causes and they must be addressed for recovery to be permanent.
A detox and rehab program that does thoroughly address both detox and rehab has a much greater chance of helping you or your loved one overcome addiction, permanently.