When it comes to addiction recovery, a one-size-fits-all approach is rarely effective. Each individual’s journey is unique, shaped by factors such as their personal history, the severity of controlled drinking vs abstinence their addiction, and their support network. Recognizing the need for personalized treatment plans is crucial to achieving lasting recovery and cultivating a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Substance abuse treatment providers are more concerned with the fact that the majority, if not all, addicts never try to get help.[17] A moderator management program can be used to assist many of those affected by substance abuse. Losing control of alcohol is no longer a threat to them since losing control over alcohol is no longer a threat. Those in moderation management recovery from alcoholism are individuals who have encountered difficulties with alcohol but have learned how to begin again, in addition to recovering their constitutional right to abstain from alcohol – as outlined in The Big Book. To be honest, people make no secret of the fact that moderation management is not the only way to take moderation into account. As it may seem as if it is somewhat of a strange expression, some believe alcoholics and people who abuse substances can be tolerable (temperance) yet still consume alcoholic beverages or use drugs every so often.
What is moderation?
“Moderation” is a term that is often used to suggest that a person with an alcohol or drug problem does not really have to give it up but can “control” it. A program called Moderation Management advocates this alternative to abstinence as a solution for a substance abuse disorder2. Some answers can be found in research conducted by Keith Humphreys, Ph.D.3. This team of researchers undertook to compare self-identified members of Moderation Management with self-identified members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
By practicing moderation, you strive to set boundaries and develop self-control, allowing yourself to indulge in the addictive behavior within predetermined limits. What we know is that after one has developed a severe addiction, the simplest, easiest, safest and surest way to keep from repeating past behaviors is total abstinence. This is not to say one may not go thorough a period of “day at a time,” or “week at a time,” or even try a “harm reduction” approach. Still, if you want the easiest way to minimize the problems in your life, go for abstinence eventually. It actually is much easier to just give it up entirely than punish yourself trying to moderate or control your addictive behavior.
How Much Can I Drink and Drive?
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. Remember, commitment and perseverance are key to successfully navigating the challenges that may arise along the way. With the right support and determination, you can overcome the grips of addiction and embrace a future free from its control. Following that logic, it makes a lot of sense to me to include the idea of moderation as another option in the addiction treatment arsenal.
