I haven't read the whole study so maybe it's not the right meaning, but I tend to agree with you if "to abstain" has been chosen for its actual meaning. Person

I haven't read the whole study so maybe it's not the right meaning, but I tend to agree with you if "to abstain" has been chosen for its actual meaning. Personally I don't drink alcohol, but I would never say that I am abstaining from drinking alcohol. I just don't do it. Same as eating green olives. Meanwhile, as you're pointing it out, people who say that they are abstaining from alcohol are likely to be former alcoholics. And say, people who's faith forbid them from drinking alcohol would probably fit in both : some just don't do it, others have to make a conscious effort to not do it.