abstainers

An abstainer is a person who deliberately does not participate in a particular activity. In common usage, the term is most often applied to the avoidance of alcohol, where abstainers refrain from consuming any alcoholic beverage. The concept can also apply to abstaining from other substances or activities, such as tobacco use, gambling, or sexual activity, depending on the context. In the alcohol domain, a related term is teetotaler, which refers to someone who abstains from all intoxicating beverages; not all abstainers are teetotalers, as some may abstain from certain drinks but not others.

Historically, abstainers have been associated with temperance and prohibition movements, which advocated limits or bans on alcohol consumption for health, moral, or social reasons. In contemporary society, abstention is studied as a behavioral category in public health and social science research. Motivations for abstaining vary and can include religious or ethical beliefs, concerns about health or addiction, personal preference, or social and familial norms. Some individuals adopt temporary abstinence for personal, religious, or health reasons, while others choose lifelong abstinence.

In research and policy terms, abstainers are treated as a distinct group in surveys and epidemiological studies to understand trends in consumption and related outcomes. Classifying individuals as abstainers can be complicated by changes in behavior over time or by social desirability bias in self-reporting. Public discussion of abstainers may reflect a range of attitudes, from respect for personal choice to concerns about social inclusion or stigma.