Moderation

Moderating Alcohol: Is it even possible?

Bryan Vasquez, CATC III, Certified Addiction CounselorLeave a comment

Many clients seeking our addiction services are hoping to have a different relationship with alcohol. While this blog is focused on alcohol, moderating any problematic behavior or substance use can be paralleled. Moderation is necessary for certain behavioral addictions such as eating and shopping, and let’s be honest, for most people sex (although abstinence is an option of course). In this article I will provide some best practices for moderating alcohol and always encourage working with a professional for best results. 

Moderation with alcohol refers to consuming alcoholic beverages in a responsible and controlled manner, absent of excessive or binge drinking. Moderate alcohol consumption is typically defined as no more than one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. When we work with clients seeking moderation, I meet them where they are at and within their own framework of what moderate drinking would look like for them. 

Practicing moderation with alcohol can have several benefits, including:

  1. Reduced health risks: Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with various health problems such as liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and increased risk of certain types of cancer. By drinking in moderation, you can lower these risks.
  2. Better judgment and decision-making: Alcohol can impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Drinking in moderation helps ensure that you remain in control and make responsible decisions.
  3. Avoidance of addiction and dependency: Regular excessive drinking can lead to alcohol dependence or addiction. Moderation reduces the likelihood of developing these problems and helps maintain a healthier relationship with alcohol.
  4. Improved overall well-being: Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with certain health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease. However, it’s important to note that these potential benefits should not encourage individuals who do not drink to start consuming alcohol. This may be correlated with reduced stress from the atmosphere of drinking (ie in social settings with friends/loved ones). 

Here are some tips for practicing moderation with alcohol:

  1. Set limits: Determine how many drinks you will have in advance and stick to that limit. Pace yourself, sip, and drink mindfully to avoid drinking too quickly.
  2. Alternate with non-alcoholic beverages: Drink water, soda, or other non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic drinks to slow down your alcohol consumption and stay hydrated.
  3. Be mindful of alcohol content: Different alcoholic beverages have varying alcohol content. Be aware of the strength of the drinks you consume and adjust your intake accordingly. I usually encourage the avoidance of shots.
  4. Don’t drink on an empty stomach: Eating food before and while drinking slows down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, reducing its effects.
  5. Know your personal limits: Everyone’s tolerance to alcohol is different. Pay attention to how alcohol affects you personally and respect your limits. If you are feeling buzzed, you are likely going down a slippery slope. More on this to come…
  6. Plan alternative activities: Instead of focusing solely on drinking, engage in other activities during social gatherings or events that don’t revolve around alcohol. This can help shift the focus away from excessive drinking.

One of the biggest shifts required for moderating alcohol relates to one’s intention with drinking. Oftentimes, the goal of moderating equals a desire to get a good buzz without any negative consequences. Drinking 1-2 drinks over the course of a dinner outing is unlikely to get us buzzed if we have been accustomed to drinking multiple drinks. For this reason, I frequently encourage a sustained period of abstinence in order to reset one’s tolerance that may have grown due to chronic alcohol consumption. 

Remember, if you have a history of alcohol-related problems, or if you’re taking medications that interact with alcohol, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding alcohol consumption. Call us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or any other addiction. We will meet you where you are and work on equipping you with the techniques and approaches to succeed with your goals.  

Abstinence vs. Moderation

Bryan Vasquez, CATC III, Certified Addiction CounselorLeave a comment

Many clients seeking services for addiction are often ambivalent about whether or not they have to completely quit, forever, or if they will ever be able to use moderately.  This is a frequent conundrum for those in early recovery, and something that we at Realize Recovery often explore with clients uncertain in which direction they want to go.  Pressures from loved ones, work, the legal system and societal beliefs from a predominantly 12-Step philosophy often play a role in the push for complete abstinence.  

Uncertainty about which direction to choose is normal at the early stages of recovery and can remain for years to come.  If you are considering which path may be best for you, it can be helpful to first identify what your main goals are with your substance for the near future.  It is often recommended for those with their minds set on moderation to experience a period of complete abstinence in order to have something to compare abstinence with.  If one has been using some form of mind altering substance for years on end, it will be hard to gauge if moderation or abstinence is right, when abstinence has not been experienced since childhood, or years in the past.  Taking a break from all substances for at least 30 days (if possible) gives one the opportunity to compare how they feel being sober, versus having a mood altering substance affecting their perception.  I have often worked with people set on moderating, only to go a month or two abstinent and then report that they have never felt better and have no desire to return to using their substance of choice.  

Why Moderation?

            Moderation can be helpful for those that are unwilling to abstain and are fearful of a life without their substance.  Considering moderation may still be a scary decision for the person who has been using heavily for a long period of time and would be considered a harm reduction approach.  Harm reduction seeks to reduce the harm in a person’s life caused by the substance.  If one is used to drinking 12 beers a day and now drinks 6, that would be reducing the harm in the individual’s life and a step in the direction towards moderation.  This can open the door to change for someone who is resistant to stopping their addiction, while helping them gain momentum in a value driven direction. 

            Moderation can also work for a lot of people who do not see any consequences from their substance use and therefore have little desire or internal motivation to change.  For those with comorbid disorders, or dual-diagnosis,moderation may work once the individual has worked on their mental health and feel they are in a good place as substances are often used to self-medicate.  Individuals who are dual-diagnosis may have used their substance as their primary coping mechanism and in some cases may be able to drink moderately upon receiving the mental health they need. 

            For behavioral addictions such as shopping, eating and in some cases sex, moderation is a necessity and therefore points to the ability for individuals to be able to learn how to have a different relationship with their addiction.  

Why Abstinence?

            For those struggling with a severe addiction, the easiest and safest way to avoid negative consequences is to abstain.  It can be much easier for many people to set their mind to complete abstinence instead of dealing with all the decisions on when it is okay to use, how much, under what circumstances etc.  Research has shown that the number aspect for those maintaining long-term sobriety is a commitment to complete abstinence.  This makes a lot of sense as it takes out the guesswork and allows the mind to simply focus on one thing–abstinence under all circumstances. 

            Certain substances can also be deadly and pose dangers legally and professionally, and one may find it easier to abstain instead of risking severe long term consequences for short, fleeting euphoria, with no long term payment comparable to the degree of possible long term consequences. 

Is there a Right Way?

            There are no absolutes in the world of relativity, and therefore there are no right or wrong answers to this question.  Each individual is free to decide which path they choose, as each individual gets to experience the positive or negative consequences of their choices.  Thinking back to past experiences with both approaches and getting honest with oneself is often the first step to take.  Regardless of what has happened in the past, know that those patterns do not have to carry on moving forward.  

            Realize Recovery works with all clients regardless of which approach they prefer and can help you or your loved one sift through the pros and cons of each approach based on their unique experiences.  There are interventions and methodologies that can be implemented to test and experiment with moderation if one so chooses to take that route.  We are not here to tell anyone what to believe or how to live their life, rather we work within your values and help each individual to come to the best conclusions for themselves.