Michael Spurrier’s Journey with Moderation Management

Welcome to our February 2025 Volunteer Showcase! Michael Spurrier’s journey with Moderation Management has been nothing short of transformative. What started as a skeptical first meeting quickly turned into a source of daily support, connection, and ultimately, lasting change. In his own words, Michael shares how MM helped him take control of his drinking and discover a healthier, more fulfilling life.

I joined Moderation Management (MM) on January 1, 2024. It was the first day of the week, the month, and the year. I didn’t realize how much my life would change on that day and in the days since. I didn’t start with a “Dry January” or a “30”; the idea of missing even one day of drinking terrified me. For about three years, I had been drinking daily and heavily without fail. Prior to those three years, I drank most days, but only heavily on the weekends and holidays.

I was finally ready for a change. My wife found MM by a total fluke and sent me a link to the website. I decided to peruse the site and saw that they had support groups I could attend from home, so I decided to give it a try. My first meeting was on Monday morning, after a night of drinking. I was very skeptical at first, thinking it was some kind of gimmick. I quickly found MM to be much more than that. The support and care I felt from my first meeting motivated me to attend three meetings that day and I attended at least one meeting a day every day that week.

A Rapid and Wonderful Success

I didn’t think I would be able to stop drinking—I didn’t want to. I also didn’t think I could get any “abs” days in, but I thought if I could at least cut my drinking in half I would feel it was a great success. To my great and continued surprise, the support I got in MM by attending the meetings helped me have abs days my first month and cut my drinking way back! I continued to attend the meetings regularly and to get more involved with MM as a volunteer and regular donor. That combination has led to a rapid and wonderful success.

I can now say that drinking has lost its hold on me. I am no longer a problem drinker. When I choose to drink, I moderate, but mostly I don’t drink at all! I never thought I would be in this place experiencing such an increase to my physical, mental, and emotional health. I have found I’m not nearly as boring as I thought I was and have found great joy in new hobbies and the simple things in life. Now, I get out a lot more and socialize in healthy and meaningful ways. I spend so much less time and money on drinking and feel so much happier with myself. Thank you MM!

Each month in our Volunteer Showcase, we highlight one of our incredible Moderation Management volunteers who has gone above and beyond in their dedication and service. This series aims to recognize their hard work, share their inspiring stories, and celebrate the positive impact they make in our community. Click here to explore our current volunteer opportunities and join our team.