Then, MM will ask that the individual stop drinking altogether for at least 30 days. A moderation management program may be beneficial for a person who is not physically dependent on alcohol and does not suffer from significant withdrawal symptoms and cravings when alcohol wears off. Only about 9 percent of alcoholics in the United States are classified under the subtype of “chronic severe,” NIAAA publishes. This group of individuals will need to abstain from drinking completely. It involves the use of medications like naltrexone which help reduce alcohol cravings. They’re able to enjoy an occasional drink while still avoiding negative drinking behaviors and consequences.
For many individuals who feel they’re stuck in between not quite having an alcohol issue but drinking more than they think they should, MM offers a plan they can easily follow. Additionally, individuals can attend MM meetings to discuss where they are and how they’re coping. Unlike AA, moderation management meetings aren’t necessarily meant to be therapeutic — although they often are. If you’re looking to adopt healthier drinking patterns and better monitor your consumption of alcohol, there are ways to limit your alcohol intake in easy, more manageable ways.
Moderation Management, the Philosophy
The heart-protective theory was based on the finding that moderate drinkers had better cardiovascular health than both nondrinkers (by a little bit) and heavy drinkers (by a lot). But those studies lumped all nondrinkers together, including those who had quit because of substance use issues or illness. As a result, “abstainers” looked relatively unhealthy, and “moderate” drinkers, many of whom exercise and eat well, looked pretty good. Abstinence is not the only solution for recovering from alcohol use disorders, but it is one of the most studied and successful methods for recovering from alcohol use disorders.
And even if you don’t plan to quit, you may find that you lose interest in alcohol after practicing moderation. Moderation management programs give heavy drinkers an alternative to quitting drinking altogether. They help individuals reduce the frequency of drinking using a step-by-step process. This offers a level of flexibility you might not find in abstinence-based programs. “Moderate consumption” is limited to one to two alcoholic drinks per day for healthy men and one alcoholic drink per day for healthy women.
Is moderation a realistic goal for some people with less severe drinking problems?
Research has shown that these moderate drinking guidelines and limits are generally workable for persons who have learned to moderate after experiencing drinking problems. There are no long-term studies that can provide concrete insights into the program’s success. But walk into any MM meeting and you’ll find people who boast that it’s the answer to their problems. The rules that MM provides can help people understand when they’re going overboard. For example, a person who has one glass of wine every night may think they’re okay, but under MM, they’re breaking the rules. It’s crucial that people give their body a break from alcohol every few days, and the MM rules generally encourage this.
Some people aren’t ready to quit alcohol completely, and are more likely to succeed if they cut back instead. In this case, moderation serves as a harm reduction strategy that minimizes the negative consequences of drinking. It’s a healthy step in a positive direction, and is often achievable with medication. These risks seem to cancel out evidence of alcohol’s cardiovascular benefits, which was weakened anyway when researchers did more nuanced studies.
How to Figure Out if Moderate Drinking Is Too Risky for You
Learning to drink in moderation can be the goal, or it can be a way station on the way to abstinence. Once you are able to allow yourself some alcohol in controlled circumstances, you may ultimately choose to give up drinking entirely. Moderation can allow you to feel in control and like you are making progress. Many who practice it find that they are better at understanding how much they are drinking, are able to reduce or eliminate binge drinking, and suffer fewer negative consequences from alcohol abuse. It’s important to remember that alcohol addiction can have devastating impacts on the individual and their loved ones.
MM members can then decide if moderation or abstinence is right for them. They can take a self-test to determine how severe their alcohol problems are and make an informed choice between moderation management vs. AA or other abstinence-based programs. For years, the answer was assumed to be no, there is no room for “just one drink” for anyone with a drinking problem. Today, there are programs like Moderation Management, which do allow for a certain level of controlled drinking and have helped many learn to drink safely. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines moderate drinking as up to two alcoholic drinks for men and one for women in any single day. Moderation gives you control of your drinking and allows you to take back control of your life.
Alcohol Self-Assessment Quiz
This disease is not a choice, so believing you can control it when you have an addiction can be dangerous and naive. This is all keeping in mind that moderate alcohol consumption and moderation management programs aren’t appropriate for those groups we already listed above. These answers will vary from individual to individual, and your controlled drinking vs abstinence choice of moderation vs. abstinence is a personal one. Whether you want to quit drinking or cut back, we’re here to help. Our program offers expert medical support, recovery coaching, and a variety of tools and resources—all delivered 100 percent virtually. Learn more about moderation with Ria Health, or find out how our program works.
Another possible option is using medications such as naltrexone or disulfiram along with psychotherapy. You may be able to gradually decrease the amount you drink without needing to go for full abstinence from alcohol. Dr. Arnold Washton is licensed to practice in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Dr. Loraine Washton is licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey.