For many people looking to develop a healthier relationship with alcohol without complete abstinence, moderation treatment can offer a path to success. Abstaining from alcohol entirely is not always a viable option for those trying to reduce their alcohol intake. While some individuals may be in denial about their consumption, others simply don’t want to give it up altogether.
The term “alcoholism” has recently been reconceptualized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), now referred to as “Alcohol Use Disorder” (AUD). While this change might seem like just a semantic shift, it reflects a crucial understanding that addiction professionals have recognized for years: alcoholism exists on a continuum, ranging from mild to severe, with varying degrees of seriousness.
What Are the Differences Between These Degrees of Alcohol Use Disorder?
The severity of an individual’s alcohol use disorder can significantly impact their response to different treatment options. Factors such as overall health, emotional well-being, family dynamics, and employment status all play a role in determining whether moderation is a viable solution.
What Does Research Say About Moderation?
Research indicates that individuals receiving moderation-based treatment tend to experience more positive emotions and better psychiatric well-being than those undergoing abstinence-only treatments. Moderation can effectively reduce alcohol consumption, which benefits both physical and mental health. A decrease in alcohol intake often leads to reduced feelings of depression and anxiety, resulting in a self-reported higher quality of life.
A study conducted in 2015 by Jaffe, Molnar, Gabbert, Tornquist, and Todd monitored clients using mobile breathalyzers. Their average maximum blood alcohol content (BrAC) remained below the legal driving limit, and only about 1.5% of the tests returned positive results. This suggests that moderation can lead to significantly reduced alcohol consumption, even for those with a history of problematic drinking.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
Clients undergoing moderation-based treatment reported feeling “better” when reflecting on their emotional well-being, both at the beginning and the end of treatment. In contrast, those in abstinence programs typically reported feeling “less bad.” Though the difference may seem small, it is significant. Most people drink to alleviate negative feelings, rather than because they are genetically predisposed to alcohol use. Therefore, positive emotions are critical to the alcohol reduction process. If individuals maintain positive emotions, they are less likely to revert to heavier drinking habits. In other words, when they feel good, they won’t feel the need to drink excessively to achieve happiness.
Does Moderation Really Help Those Struggling with Addiction?
For many, the challenge of alcohol abuse is not just about choosing between abstinence or continuing as an alcoholic. While abstinence-only programs may work for some, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Research shows that individuals seeking moderation can achieve similar or even better results compared to those in abstinence programs. In short, moderation treatment does work.
The addiction treatment field needs to recognize moderation as a valid option for those seeking to cut back on their alcohol consumption. If you are struggling with alcohol use and feel that complete abstinence is not the right solution for you, it’s important to continue exploring treatments until you find what works best for you, such as moderation-based approaches. Medications like naltrexone can also support significant improvements in your relationship with alcohol, even if total abstinence is not achieved.
As long as abstinence remains the only widely accepted solution to alcohol abuse, millions of people will avoid seeking the help they need. However, if more people learn about moderation treatment and it helps even one person take the first step toward recovery, it’s a success for all.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you are unable to determine if you have an alcohol or drug abuse problem, New Dimensions can help. By making an assessment appointment, we can help you determine if there is a drinking or drug problem or if you might benefit from individual therapy to help you address your anger, stress, depression, or other life concerns that have been a reason to use substances. You can visit our website, www.nddtreatment.com or give us a call at 800.685.9796 to set up your assessment.
Therapists are available through MHThrive to provide individual psychotherapy to assist with any mental health or substance abuse concerns. To learn more about individual counseling services or couples/marital counseling or family therapy, visit www.MHThrive.com or call 713.477.0333 to set an appointment.