Is moderate drinking really linked to a longer life?
Additionally, the system is punitive to those who do not achieve abstinence, as exemplified by the widespread practice of involuntary treatment discharge for those who return to use (White, Scott, Dennis, & Boyle, 2005). Scientific evidence does support the notion that people with severe drinking problems are NOT good candidates for moderation (controlled drinking) and generally do much better with abstinence. And it goes without saying that for anyone who has developed a really serious drinking problem, abstinence is by far the safest course. However, research also has shown that with proper help “problem drinkers” (non-alcoholics with less severe drinking problems) can and sometimes do successfully learn how to moderate their drinking and reliably keep it within safer limits. These health risks can be severe, and some even contribute to alcohol-related mortality rates.
A moderation approach may be recommended for those who prefer a gradual approach to progress. Here are additional reflection questions from a therapist to help you understand your own relationship with alcohol, and if moderation meets your needs and preferences. Though sobriety has a clear definition, you may still be asking yourself, what is sobriety, and what will it mean to me? Oftentimes it can mean learning how https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to manage cravings, engaging in alcohol treatment, finding community, and introducing alcohol alternatives into your daily life. A sober lifestyle is something to be proud of, and the team at Monument is here to provide answers and encouragement throughout your journey. Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol.
Men vs. women: Does moderate drinking differ?
Lastly, you can join moderated alcohol support groups to get encouragement and gain accountability in a non-judgmental and secure forum. Maintaining moderation in drinking means starting out with a specific goal. For example, someone might want to cut back on the amount they drink, or maybe slow down their rate of drinking. Moderation offers a path to sobriety without completely eliminating drinking. Limiting the amount alcohol abstinence vs moderation of alcohol you drink, or taking breaks from drinking alcohol, are ways to get your alcohol problem under control while providing space for you to address the issues that power your drinking. This short video includes some of the benefits you could experience just by drinking less alcohol and outlines some of the programs and resources available to you if you decide to manage your alcohol with the help of the AMP.
One research study on Veterans suggested that both models can decrease alcohol use to a degree, but those striving for abstinence were far more successful than those drinking in moderation. Of those who were engaged in non-problem drinking a year after the study began, only 48% reported non-problem drinking or abstinence at later follow-ups. At our Ohio residential treatment center, we understand that relapse is often a part of recovery and are here to help you wherever you may be in the recovery journey.
2. Controlled drinking
We encourage you to take the Alcohol Self-Assessment Tests on this website to start developing a better perspective on your drinking behavior and whether abstinence or moderation might be best for you. Keep in mind, however, that no self-assessment test or quiz can substitute for a face-to-face clinical evaluation by a treatment professional. Sara explained to her therapist that she didn’t think she could quit drinking altogether. When out for a nice dinner or attending a get-together, she still wanted the freedom of having a drink or two. Her counselor agreed that limiting her drinking could be a good solution and they set a goal for Sara to cut back her consumption to these special occasions only.
