That’s just one approach to addiction. Personally, I think it assumes people are weak with no self-control, which seems to be exactly the argument you’re making.

The emphasis on abstinence and any exposure at all being a failure might even make binging more likely if someone gives in just a little, as their counter is now reset, so might as well take advantage.

And the obsession/fascination with the addiction target continues or even gets ramped up.

I like the moderation approach a lot better. I don’t binge drink every weekend anymore, but if I do feel like having a drink every now and then, I just do instead of spiraling because I need to treat it like some sort of personal failure.