For those who struggle with alcohol or have loved ones that do, the idea of any consumption of alcohol can produce strong responses.
Family members and loved ones may strongly oppose any alcohol consumption regardless of the circumstances, while someone who has struggled with it may battle the idea of “just having one” versus none at all. After struggling with alcohol abuse and dependency, the question of drinking in moderation can cross anyone’s mind. Alcohol is a common substance at social functions, public events, and in many restaurants, making it difficult for some to imagine cutting it out of their lives completely.
Many people struggle with drinking in America. Lots of students and even adults participate in binge drinking, which is extremely unhealthy if done frequently. To learn more about the dangers associated with binge drinking, Click here.
It has long been debated whether or not those who struggle with alcohol abuse are capable of moderation. After completing treatment and managing sobriety, many propose that the risks associated with moderate consumption are worth the potential for relapse. The very idea of abstaining from alcohol consumption completely is often one of the primary objectives people have in accepting help for dependency. Existing without alcohol can be incomprehensible, which makes the idea of moderation appealing. But can a person who has struggled with abuse actually moderate their consumption?
How to Handle Moderate Drinking
The idea of moderate drinking is not new, and some suggest that those who have problems with alcohol can learn to moderate their intake. These people often argue that moderation can be used as a means of motivating a person to change. Since many find complete abstinence to be a daunting challenge, the proposal of moderating intake suggests a shift in perception and a willingness to change.
Managing moderation requires the use of several tactics in order to be successful. This includes:
- Alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones: This prevents someone from consuming copious amounts of alcohol in a single sitting. By forcing themselves to alternate, they are less likely to overindulge.
- Keeping a track record: One way to effectively manage consumption is to track the number of drinks a person consumes. It can be easy to overlook dates and specific instances, but documenting consumption as it happens allows someone to track their intake and ensure they are not consuming at problematic levels.
- Delaying drinking: If at an event, delaying the time in which a person starts drinking can reduce the number of drinks they consume overall. By waiting about an hour before having the first drink, they are better able to moderate their intake.
- Holding out: Urges to drink can be overwhelming and sometimes the best response is to ignore them. Moderate drinking does not mean simply drinking less every day; it also requires a person to just say no sometimes. By resisting the urge to drink when it hits, a person is able to practice moderation and reduce their consumption.
The best way to identify whether or not moderate drinking will work is to consult with a medical professional. In some cases, going along with the proposal of drinking moderately seems easier than the alternative. In fact, moderate drinking can provide valuable insight into a person’s ability to manage consumption. If they begin drinking moderately, they may actually be able to manage it in a healthy way, and conversely, if they fail, it can serve as a wakeup call. When moderation fails, it can be used as valuable feedback and provide further evidence to the fact that controlling one’s drinking is not a viable option for everyone. Failure to effectively moderate alcohol consumption can help someone realize that their use is problematic and that abstinence may be the best idea.
Moderate drinking can provide valuable insight into the nature of a person’s relationship with alcohol and can help them select the best treatment options. If a person fails to manage to drink moderately, it is important to respond neutrally and help them realize that their problem with alcohol may be worse than they realize. Moderation is not a viable option for everyone. When helping someone overcome dependency and addiction, you must be prepared to assess the nature of their use and to take action if their consumption is problematic.
Sources:
http://alcohol.addictionblog.org/when-does-drinking-moderation-work/
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