On the other hand, moderation may be more suitable for those without a history of alcohol addiction or dependence, allowing them to enjoy the occasional drink without compromising their health. However, it’s essential to recognize the potential dangers of returning to alcohol after sobriety, such as the slippery slope and emotional triggers discussed earlier, which could be detrimental to one’s health and well-being. Support groups, such as 12-step programs or Moderation Management, can also play a crucial role in your recovery journey. These groups offer a safe space for you to share your experiences, learn from others, and stay accountable to your goals.
Does moderate drinking cause cancer?
One example of a harm reduction program is Moderation Management (MM), which offers guidelines and support for those seeking to moderate their alcohol consumption. Through the use of self-help tools, meetings, and online resources, MM encourages individuals to take responsibility for their behavior and develop healthier drinking habits. A recent successful effort in the U.S. to launch an international study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
- “A cup or two of black coffee with low-fat or nonfat milk with breakfast is a healthy way to start the day, especially when you’re like me and have an 8-year-old that is full of energy!
- Lastly, this being a study, it is very possible that participants were better motivated, more informed, and more likely to put in the effort required to use the moderatedrinking.org program.
- Proactively cutting back on drinking can start to illuminate how drinking less can give you more, and create the mental clarity to identify your goals and values.
- The journey to changing your relationship with alcohol is about progress, not perfection.
- Understanding these genetic factors can help individuals make informed decisions to stop drinking alcohol.
- Let’s explore some ways we can practice moderate drinking or abstinence.
- Moderate drinking and mindful drinking can be stepping stones to abstinence.
Which Medications are Best for Individuals That Want to Moderate Their Drinking?
Any treatment center receiving calls from the site is a paid advertiser. Calls to numbers https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/family-support-is-crucial-in-addiction-recovery/ on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline will be received by Pinnacle Health Group, a paid advertiser. It is clear from looking at the research that if you want to increase your odds of success, abstinence is the way to go.
The Bottom Line: Balancing Risks and Benefits
- In team Thrivalist we, therefore, have one moderate-drinker and one non-drinker.
- If your reason for choosing abstinence is simply that you want to, that’s a perfectly valid reason to quit alcohol altogether.
- This includes those managing liver disease, bipolar disorder, abnormal heart rhythms, or chronic pain.
- It directly influences the stomach, brain, heart, gallbladder, and liver.
Our four award-winning treatment centers in New Jersey are CARF-accredited facilities, an organization promoting best practices in behavioral health and evidence-based addiction recovery. Through our Seabrook Model, our board-certified professionals provide individualized treatment to help you move forward in life with confidence and strength. Drinking in moderation means you still enjoy a drink, but avoid the harms to health, relationships and wellbeing that potentially come with heavy or risky drinking. For some people it’s an easy decision but for others, weighing up the gains and losses of each option can help.
Reasons Abstinence From Alcohol May Be the Best Choice
Our last few blogs have discussed my experience reintroducing alcohol and successfully moderating after an extended period of abstinence, and Lucy’s ongoing commitment to abstinence. In team alcohol abstinence vs moderation Thrivalist we, therefore, have one moderate-drinker and one non-drinker. By providing you with a comprehensive understanding of these two approaches, I hope to empower you to take control of your life and find the most suitable path to recovery. A moderation approach may be recommended for those who prefer a gradual approach to progress.
Therapy for alcohol dependency
Working with mental health professionals can help you determine the most effective approach to address both your addiction and mental health needs. On the other hand, some of us might need to avoid alcohol completely, especially if we suffer from alcohol use disorder and alcohol is an immediate threat to our health. Or some might find it more difficult to drink moderate amounts of alcohol than to avoid it completely, in which case abstinence may be a better choice. Decisions about our alcohol consumption choices should ultimately be made based on our personal needs and goals with the guidance of our healthcare provider.
If you have a strong support network of friends, family, and professionals who can help you maintain your chosen approach, either option may be viable. However, if you lack a supportive environment or are surrounded by individuals who engage in the addictive behavior, abstinence may be more challenging to maintain. In such cases, you may need to reevaluate your environment and relationships, ensuring that they are conducive to your recovery goals. Moderation, in the context of addiction recovery, is an approach where you aim to establish a healthier relationship with the addictive substance or behavior, rather than eliminating it entirely. This method acknowledges that for some individuals, complete abstinence may not be a realistic or necessary solution. By practicing moderation, you strive to set boundaries and develop self-control, allowing yourself to indulge in the addictive behavior within predetermined limits.