Very Well Mind: Is Drinking In Moderation Possible for Alcoholics?
Originally published at verywellmind.com this article answers some questions and has some great tips about moderation. However, I do take issue with a couple of beliefs presented in this article.
The first statement I take issue with is that people who commit to Moderation Management “must” undergo a 30 day abstinent period. While this was emphasized as a first step to joining MM in the early years, it is not anymore. We don’t want to deny anyone support just because they aren’t ready to attempt 30 days alcohol-free.
Another issue, is that the term alcoholic is an outdated term for those who experience Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).Lastly, I have problems with the sentence below, “However, these programs are not meant for everyone.” MM is meant for everyone. Joining MM is a first step for many people who are not ready to quit drinking completely, whether they decide later on abstinence is their best next step or that moderation is possible for them. MM continues to offer support to its members who choose abstinence. We support the choice that you feel is the right one for you.
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One of the most common questions people who struggle with alcohol use and try to quit drinking ask is whether they really have to stop forever. Can they learn how to drink in moderation? Can they become social drinkers? Is it true that they can never have another drink?
For years, the answer was assumed to be no, there is no room for “just one drink” for anyone with a drinking problem. Today, there are programs like Moderation Management, which do allow for a certain level of controlled drinking and have helped many learn to drink safely. However, these programs are not meant for everyone.”
Read the entire article here: Is Drinking In Moderation Possible For Alcoholics?
I am so happy to have found this site I have been in recovery for three years now I decided to give back and started managing a all male halfway house, it keeps me connected and keeps me Grateful.
Welcome to MM, Jeff. Thank you for giving back to those who are still struggling to take that Step One.
The truth is that nobody should have a drink and moderation is futile because the new evidence of the last decade or so shows *THERE IS NO SAFE DOSE* of alcohol. From the first sip you are shortening your lifespan, damaging your organs and causing cancer. The effect is very profound and visible in the studies of the last 10 years but the most powerful one was the 2018 study from the Lancet. Many of the previous “moderation” studies have been debunked because historically the middle and upper middle class drink more alcohol and their outcomes are generally better due to more wealth. Once you factor out socioeconomic status, there is only harm to alcohol consumption in any dosage. Also worth checking out is the WHO’s new stance on alcohol as of this new year where the updated website now spells it out in their annals as a toxin as bad as asbestos, lead, arsenic and radon. Don’t take it just from me; I encourage anyone to do their own research as the information is out there and extremely sobering.
So alcoholic or not, just like any other addictive drug be it nicotine or fentanyl the only correct answer for all 7+ billion human beings is ZERO alcohol, it’s that simple.
Attilio, we agree, the only completely safe level of alcohol intake is 0. We have never said it wasn’t. But, we know that some people will still choose to drink and we provide the tools and support to drink at a “safer” level than what they may currently be drinking.