It fixates on a number, which seems very sensible. It seems like it makes a lot of sense because we are constantly bombarded with information and guidelines about how much is the right amount to drink. This is not just being clever with how you word it.
The reality for alcohol addictions, for example, is that people have an average of two and a half relapses in their ultimate turn to permanent sobriety. A commitment to sobriety means that you are committed to a course of action, understanding that it is not an easy task and one that takes a great deal of patience, persistence and practice. We are not perfect beings, we are fallible and breaking a commitment is not the same as giving up on one. A permanent commitment means we are committed to a course of action for the future and we will do every thing in our power to fulfill and maintain that commitment. The negative effects of your drinking may have turned you off of alcohol entirely, and that’s completely okay. If your reason for choosing abstinence is simply that you want to, that’s a perfectly valid reason to quit alcohol altogether.
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Can you imagine a life of restraining yourself from alcohol? When you are restraining yourself from alcohol or really anything, you’re using force to resist, to hold yourself back. Why how much desire you feel and your choice to drink are not one and the same. Some camps suggest avoiding particular foods entirely, such as sugar or desserts, and indeed there is research to indicate that high-sugar or high-fat foods can fuel addictive behaviors if indulged in regularly (see Is Food Addiction Real?). If you are struggling with some of the following signs above, be sure to contact your physician or seek help at a substance abuse treatment facility. On the other hand, the temptation to continue your consumption will be ever-present and, potentially, getting more severe.
- However, a thin line can divide when it’s appropriate to seek treatment or when moderation or abstinence is enough.
- If you are struggling with other mental health issues or are looking for a specialist near you, use the Psychology Today therapist directory here to find a practitioner who specializes in your area of concern.
- Remember that your journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
- I didn’t realize that there was this thing called the think-feel-act cycle that would explain why I had all the desire I had.
- The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.
- Can you imagine a life of restraining yourself from alcohol?
Yes, maybe complete abstinence is your best option, temporarily or forever, as the case may be. There is no reason to fix what’s not broken, but burdening yourself needlessly can become an issue, particularly if you notice you overcompensate in other areas of controlled drinking vs abstinence your life. The choice between abstinence vs. moderation for your food choices most likely won’t be a permanent one. One approach that works at one time will not necessarily work forever! You must constantly reevaluate your choices and keep a curious mind.
Abstinence Vs. Moderation: Which Is Right For Me?
However, they have not develop a chemical dependency on alcohol to the extent others have. Psychological cravings and even early signs of physical cravings might have developed. Upon testing their theory of moderation to see if it is possible to have “just one” they are able to restrain themselves from bingeing again. Losing control over alcohol is not longer a threat to them.
- A permanent commitment means we are committed to a course of action for the future and we will do every thing in our power to fulfill and maintain that commitment.
- (Moderation is the practice of consciously and reliably limiting the amount of alcohol or drugs that one consumes).
- For some, their decision to cut back on or abstain from drinking is connected to a desire to be healthier, save money, or reestablish their views on their alcohol consumption.
- As you grapple with these questions, you come to understand that comprehending your relationship with addiction is an intensely personal journey.
Regardless of your path, working with a physician and therapist can provide answers, reassurance, and guidance throughout the process. You also don’t need to have a clear understanding of your goal to start making progress. Ask yourself what were the excuses you gave yourself to use and dispute them. Your commitment isn’t broken and you can renew your resolve.
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One research study followed drinkers for three to eight years after they completed a program of behavioral self-control. The results indicated that the chance of successfully drinking moderately decreases dramatically according to the severity of dependence. People in the beginning stages of a drinking problem may achieve success. Then there’s moderation, which is when you give yourself the freedom to enjoy a small dose in a safe, controlled environment. The majority of people who use mind-altering substances without becoming addicted are able to maintain their sobriety by carefully moderating their intake.
As you embark on your recovery journey, it’s essential to acknowledge your unique needs and circumstances, tailoring your approach to best support your progress. By focusing on personalized treatment plans, you can address the underlying issues that contributed to your addiction, develop coping strategies specific to your challenges, and create a sustainable path toward recovery. “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.
On the surface, moderation probably seems easier, which could be why moderation is more common. But recovery isn’t about figuring out what works best for everyone. Rather, it’s about what works for each individual. Speak with a treatment provider and get your questions about rehab answered today.
Your answers will help clarify whether you fall into the “abstinence” or “moderation” category. Also, be aware that according to life circumstances, such as stress, altered metabolism, or developing a different relationship with food through therapy, increased mindfulness, or self-help approaches, the category you fall into may change. These individuals notably made up just 14% of the sample, the smallest group of the three.
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Though they can learn to live a clean and sober life by making different choices, many have found after relapse that the myth of having “just one” or being able to control their drinking is nothing more than a myth. Study authors used data from their prior randomized trial that tested two motivational interventions and one comparison condition where individuals were simply encouraged to reduce their drinking taking place over 7 weeks. Support groups, such as 12-step programs or Moderation Management, can also play a crucial role in your recovery journey.
Data were weighted using the method of iterative proportional fitting so as to represent the US civilian population (Battaglia et al., 2009). A total of 2,002 individuals who had resolved an AOD problem were included in the final analyses. 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are popular support groups that advocate for abstinence as the cornerstone of addiction recovery.
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