A Practical Resource for Clinicians, Referrers, and Care Collaborators

Working with clients who want to explore change in their drinking—without committing to an abstinence-only path?


Moderation Management (MM) offers a compassionate, evidence-informed community where individuals can examine their relationship with alcohol and make meaningful adjustments in a way that fits their life and goals.

This guide helps professionals understand what MM is (and isn’t), how to introduce it to clients, and how to ethically integrate MM resources within a broader care plan.

About Moderation Management

Moderation Management (MM) is a nonprofit peer-support community for adults seeking to reduce, pause, or change their drinking habits. Founded in 1994, MM is rooted in harm reduction, self-determination, and practical skill-building.

  • Nonjudgmental and inclusive — welcoming members exploring moderation, reduction, or abstinence

  • Peer-led, not treatment — MM complements but does not replace clinical or medical care

  • Evidence-informed — studies and internal data show structured moderation support increases awareness, confidence, and behavioral control

  • Accessible and community-based — offering free online meetings, forums, and tools that encourage consistency and accountability

For many, MM is a bridge to self-awareness and change, providing language, structure, and connection in an environment free from shame or labels.

“Moderation Management meets people where they are—and trusts that they know what meaningful change looks like for themselves.”

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Why MM Matters for Clinicians

Many clients hesitate to seek support because they don’t identify with traditional abstinence-only programs—or because they assume their drinking “isn’t bad enough” to need help.

Moderation Management provides an accessible, nonjudgmental entry point for individuals who want to make changes on their own terms.

For clinicians, MM offers a structured yet flexible framework that can:

  • Engage ambivalent clients who may not resonate with abstinence-based approaches

  • Foster accountability and connection between therapy sessions through peer support

  • Normalize harm reduction as a valid and evidence-informed approach to behavior change

  • Support collaborative goal-setting and reflection consistent with motivational interviewing and SMART goal frameworks

  • Promote self-efficacy and self-compassion rather than shame or all-or-nothing thinking

MM’s approach recognizes that alcohol use exists on a spectrum—and that meaningful change doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Some individuals may choose to moderate, others may later move toward abstinence, and many simply aim to increase awareness and control.

At its core, MM aligns with person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based care—honoring that there are many pathways to change and that sustainable growth happens through curiosity, not coercion.

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Referral and Integration Guide

Below are ways to ethically and effectively incorporate MM into your clinical or coaching practice.

1. Identify Appropriate Clients

MM is best suited for adults who:

– Are experiencing mild-to-moderate drinking concerns
– Are physically stable and not at medical risk of withdrawal
– Value autonomy and self-directed change
– Are curious about adjusting their drinking, whether temporarily or long-term

Consider additional support for clients who:

–  Have severe dependence or a history of withdrawal
– Are actively suicidal or experiencing acute mental health crises
– Require medical or residential stabilization before exploring moderation

2. Introduce MM in Conversation

Language matters. Clients often feel relief when a professional validates that there are options beyond abstinence.

Here are some examples of nonjudgmental framing:

“There’s a peer-support community called Moderation Management that helps people track, plan, and reflect on their drinking—without assuming one right way to change.”

“You don’t have to decide today what your ultimate goal is. MM offers space to experiment with moderation, mindful awareness, or even alcohol-free periods—whatever feels right for you.”

Inviting choice and collaboration fosters psychological safety and opens the door to self-motivated change.

3. Integrate MM into Your Work

– Collaborative Goal Alignment: Incorporate MM’s worksheets, tracking tools, or community challenges into treatment plans
– Skill Reinforcement: Use MM’s moderation principles to strengthen coping, distress tolerance, and boundary-setting skills
– Check-ins: Reflect together on MM participation and what clients are noticing about their patterns and progress
– Continuity of Care: If clients shift their goals over time, support that evolution—whether toward moderation, abstinence, or greater self-acceptance

MM participation can function as a supportive accountability system between sessions, helping clients stay connected, reflective, and self-aware.

Ethics, Scope, and Collaboration

MM is a peer-support organization, not a clinical treatment or detox service. When referring clients, clinicians are encouraged to clarify:

– MM is self-directed and voluntary; members define their own goals
– Clinicians maintain responsibility for assessing risk and appropriateness
– MM participation is best when complementing, not replacing, therapy or medical care

Maintaining transparency helps clients make informed decisions while strengthening trust between providers and peer communities.

Need Support or Want to Collaborate?

Reach out to:
Madeleine Zimmerman, MSW, LCSW (she/her)
Clinical Director, Moderation Management
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