For example, they point out that the original AA teaching endorses abstinence only for people with severe addiction disorders, which in the 12-step approach has been changed to abstinence for all members. Williams and Mee-Lee (op. cit.) also claim that AA originally taught that it was not the responsibility of group members or counsellors to give Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House medical advice to others while there is a widespread opposition to using medically assisted treatment in the 12-step approach. Further, that the original focus on support has been replaced by a focus on denial and resistance as personality flaws. This pinpoints the conflicting issues experienced by some clients during the recovery process.

What is Alcohol Moderation Management?

Only 18 percent of 500 recovered alcohol abusers in the survey achieved remission through treatment. In Britain and other European and Commonwealth countries, controlled-drinking therapy is widely available (Rosenberg et al., 1992). The following six questions explore the value, prevalence, and clinical impact of controlled drinking vs. abstinence outcomes in alcoholism treatment; they are intended to argue the case for controlled drinking as a reasonable and realistic goal. As authors https://marylanddigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ point out, all groups improved to varying degrees particularly in terms of fewer drinks per drinking day, despite the fact that new skills to reduce or abstain were not an explicit part of any of the three treatments in the initial randomized trial. These individuals may be naturally finding ways in their environment to help them reduce or abstain (e.g., seeking social support), for example, or automatically using cognitive strategies to help them stick to limits on days they drink.

Take Advantage of “Getting Back to Normal” to Revisit Your Relationship with Alcohol

Some interview person (IP) were former polydrug users and altered between AA and NA meetings. Thus, the results may be more relevant for women with similar experiences as the investigated sample. I don’t think I have a problem, but I might be someone that could get it [problems] more than anyone else […] (IP30).

Alcohol Moderation Management: Programs and Steps to Control Drinking

They not only had a greater reduction in drinking days per week (about 3 days per week by the end of the treatment period). Also interesting that, as the study authors point out,  all groups improved to varying degrees particularly in terms of fewer drinks per drinking day. And even if you don’t plan to quit, you may find that you lose interest in alcohol after practicing moderation. Those who commit to a Moderation Management (MM) program must undergo a 30-day period of abstinence during which they learn strategies for identifying and controlling triggers, adopting other healthy behaviors and activities to replace drinking, and managing future moderate drinking behaviors. MM asks participants to take a realistic look at their drinking patterns and reasons for drinking. Moderation gives you control of your drinking and allows you to take back control of your life.

• Neurons are the brain’s key communicator, sending both electrical and chemical signals within the brain and to the rest of your body.
• While complete abstinence often requires you to avoid any circumstances or people that might tempt you to drink, moderation allows you to still participate in work functions and social events while empowering you to have more control over when and how much you drink.
• Clearly, most research agrees that most alcoholism patients drink at some point following treatment.
• In 1988 legislation was passed prohibiting the use of federal funds to support syringe access, a policy which remained in effect until 2015 even as numerous studies demonstrated the effectiveness of SSPs in reducing disease transmission (Showalter, 2018; Vlahov et al., 2001).

Harm reduction therapy has also been applied in group format, mirroring the approach and components of individual harm reduction psychotherapy but with added focus on building social support and receiving feedback and advice from peers (Little, 2006; Little & Franskoviak, 2010). These groups tend to include individuals who use a range of substances and who endorse a range of goals, including reducing substance use and/or substance-related harms, controlled/moderate use, and abstinence (Little, 2006). Additionally, some groups target individuals with co-occurring psychiatric disorders (Little, Hodari, Lavender, & Berg, 2008). Important features common to these groups include low program barriers (e.g., drop-in groups, few rules) and inclusiveness of clients with difficult presentations (Little & Franskoviak, 2010).

It is important to highlight that most of the studies cited above did not provide goal-matched treatment; thus, these outcomes generally reflect differences between individuals with abstinence vs. non-abstinence goals who participated in abstinence-based AUD treatment. There has been little research on the goals of non-treatment-seeking individuals; however, research suggests that nonabstinence goals are common even among individuals presenting to SUD treatment. Among those seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), studies with large samples have cited rates of nonabstinence goals ranging from 17% (Berglund et al., 2019) to 87% (Enggasser et al., 2015). In Europe, about half (44–46%) of individuals seeking treatment for AUD have non-abstinence goals (Haug & Schaub, 2016; Heather, Adamson, Raistrick, & Slegg, 2010).

• Additionally, we offer exceptional continuing care so even after completing your programme; you’re never alone in this fight against alcohol addiction.
• The most recent national survey assessing rates of illicit drug use and SUDs found that among individuals who report illicit drug use in the past year, approximately 15% meet criteria for one or more DUD (SAMHSA, 2019a).
• We believe in the power of personalised therapy, where our experts tailor a recovery plan suited to your needs and circumstances.
• John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.