Participants were also asked the strategy (abstinence versus balancing) they would recommend for that goal conflict. People were more likely to recommend abstinence for incompatible conflicts than for resource dilemmas. It depends on many factors, such as your personal relationship with alcohol, your health, your life circumstances, and your goals. Get in touch with our team to discuss whether moderation is a possibility for you. These answers will vary from individual to individual, and your choice of moderation vs. abstinence is a personal one. Our program offers expert medical support, recovery coaching, and a variety of tools and resources—all delivered 100 percent virtually.
- If you’ve worked in alcohol rehab therapy for any amount of time, it’s likely you’ve come across the arguments of ‘moderation management’, ‘harm reduction’ and ‘total abstinence’.
- Abstinence rates may be higher in samples where individuals identify as ‘in recovery’ (Kelly et al., 2018) as well as those recruited mostly through treatment-oriented organizations, as was the case in the What is Recovery Study (Subbaraman and Witbrodt, 2014).
- For all we know, it might also be an option for people who do meet criteria for alcohol dependence but since the study we’re about to assess didn’t talk about it, we’ll leave that for later.
- Understanding how external factors will support or impede your success can help you determine if moderation is something that feels achievable within your current lifestyle and circumstances, or if sobriety is a more realistic goal.
- Since the 1950s a multitude of ‘moderation management’ and ‘harm reduction’ therapies have popped up, most notably “Moderation Management” (MM) which was established in 1994, a movement aided by the spread of the Internet.
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We shadow our clients on their journey to recovery; understanding their addiction history and working in unison to create a new future – sustaining recovery and changing lives for all of our clients. However, some addicts will never be able to achieve ‘healthy boundaries’ so moderation strategies should always be employed with caution. Abstinence can indeed be an intimidating word for those in early recovery, especially amongst ‘mild problem’ drinkers. “The sufferer is without power to control his propensity to drink alcohol”. “A thorough assessment is essential to determine the underlying or contributing factors relative to a particular individual’s substance misuse” said Packer.
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For some, abstinence aligns with their moral or spiritual values, making it a more appealing choice. Others may view moderation as a more balanced and pragmatic solution, better suited to their personal beliefs. Reflecting on your values and what feels most authentic to you can help guide your decision between abstinence and moderation. When deciding between abstinence and moderation as your approach to addiction recovery, it’s essential to consider several factors.
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Collaborating with medical professionals, therapists, and support groups is vital when developing a personalized treatment plan. These experts can provide invaluable guidance, helping you assess your needs and identify the most controlled drinking vs abstinence effective strategies for your recovery. Medical professionals can offer appropriate medications or therapies, while therapists can help you explore the root causes of your addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- In conclusion, the importance of personalized treatment plans in addiction recovery cannot be overstated.
- Quitting alcohol for good is a life-changing decision with countless benefits that will make you wonder why you didn’t quit sooner.
- Here are some things to consider in comparing moderation vs. abstinence.
- MM utilises cognitive behavioural therapy techniques and new participants must abstain from drinking for the first 30 days, after which men and women should not exceed more than three drinks a day, or nine drinks a week for women and fourteen drinks a week for men.
It means you can enjoy an occasional drink while still reducing negative drinking behaviors, hangovers, and the risk of alcohol-related health issues. 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. Allowing patients to flexibly choose their own goals can lead to increased engagement, longer retention, and improved outcomes.
If your addiction is severe or life-threatening, complete abstinence may be necessary to protect your health and well-being. On the other hand, if your addiction is less severe or at an earlier stage, moderation may be a more feasible option. Consulting with a professional addiction specialist can help you evaluate the severity of your addiction and guide you in choosing the most suitable path to recovery. It’s important to be honest with yourself and seek guidance from professionals and support networks when making this critical decision. By taking the time to thoroughly understand the implications of abstinence, you can make an informed choice that puts you on the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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You have experienced enough consequences in your life that no one needs to tell you that you are fed up with your addictive behavior. If you are just starting your recovery program it may take time to make a decision on a commitment to abstinence before it is really firm in your heart. It needs to be something that you are really committed to and not just something you would like to do. In some cases, a combined approach https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/diabetes-and-alcohol-can-diabetics-get-drunk/ incorporating elements of both abstinence and moderation may be the most effective path to recovery. This approach recognizes that your relationship with addiction may evolve over time, and your recovery strategy should be flexible and adaptable to accommodate these changes. The severity of your addiction is a critical factor in determining whether abstinence or moderation is the most appropriate approach for you.
In one study, the scenarios were selected to be ones that most people would see as incompatible goals versus resource dilemmas. For example, most people are likely to see sobriety as incompatible with drinking, but working and spending time for a resource dilemma. Using ratings, they confirmed how participants were viewing the scenarios.
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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. At Monument, you can meet with a physician, such as myself, to discuss if medication to stop drinking is appropriate for you. There’s also specialized alcohol therapy where you receive a personalized treatment plan catered to you and your goals. Lastly, you can join moderated alcohol support groups to get encouragement and gain accountability in a non-judgmental and secure forum.