Losing control of alcohol is no longer a threat to them since losing control over alcohol is no longer a threat. A permanent commitment to abstinence means we no longer have to fight a battle with moderation; but rather devote ourselves to sobriety permanently. Ours is a “no excuses” program, we are responsible for our decisions and behaviors; we have a choice. There is a feeling of freedom that results from this commitment where one does not feel hopeless or without choices. Combined with a consistent and aggressive disputing of urges to use, most find their messages to use either decrease to nothing or become infrequent and easily handled. It may not be easy to see now, but your life can be restored to where you are in https://ecosoberhouse.com/ control, your addiction and the urges will recede to an unpleasant memory.
Inherited Family Trauma
Along these lines, a lot of people don’t drink due to health issues that are exacerbated by drinking, such as liver disease, heart conditions, or certain medications that interact negatively with alcohol. Others may avoid alcohol to maintain overall physical and mental health. We are here to help you change your relationship with alcohol and meet your personal goals, whether that is taking a break, cutting back or quitting. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we believe in offering customized alcohol abuse treatment plans for those struggling with drug abuse. We look at each program on a case-by-case basis to cater to your needs to get better and walk towards recovery. From detoxification programs to group meetings and more, everyone in our team is committed to helping you win the struggle with addiction.
Depression as an Underlying Cause of Addiction
Such people may choose to remain abstinent after staying abstinent out of necessity for a period of time. However, they have not develop a chemical dependency on alcohol to the extent others have. Psychological cravings and even early signs of physical cravings might have developed. Upon testing their theory of moderation to see if it is possible to have “just one” they are able to restrain themselves from bingeing again. They are people who have experienced difficulty with alcohol but were able to recover their ability to control their drinking. Alcoholics “of our kind” as The Big alcohol abstinence vs moderation Book calls them, are never able to recover their ability to control their drinking.
Trauma as a Trigger for Addiction
If we’re transitioning from excessive drinking, moderate drinking can help our body get used to less alcohol in our system, decreasing the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. For some of us, moderate drinking might be more sustainable and lower our risk of excessive or binge drinking. If you’re considering abstaining from alcohol, initiatives such as Sober October and Dry January provide you with a way to reset drinking habits, improve health, and reflect on the role of alcohol in your life. Maybe during this time, try some non-alcoholic alternative beverages and notice how you feel.
As of 2013, 8,260 individuals in the United States died from heroin overdoses.7 When used to stop some drug addictions, moderation management can be dangerous. For some, drinking in moderation might be an option, especially as a stepping stone to abstinence. If we feel that quitting alcohol drug addiction is too restrictive and abstinence might backfire or trigger binge drinking, moderation might be a better choice. When a person chooses to be abstinent, it means that they refrain from all alcohol consumption for a duration of time.
Risks and Dangers of Oxycontin Dependency
It’s easier to maintain your motivation and stay on the right track. But she cautions that even what’s considered moderate alcohol use has risks, and that just one night of heavy drinking can result in issues ranging from relationship problems to losing one’s driver’s licence or job. Our last few blogs have discussed my experience reintroducing alcohol and successfully moderating after an extended period of abstinence, and Lucy’s ongoing commitment to abstinence. In team Thrivalist we, therefore, have one moderate-drinker and one non-drinker.
Addiction = Chemical Dependency: An Ever Evolving Concept
The balance of the two experiences has been demonstrated to be a valuable asset in moderation management. Sara explained to her therapist that she didn’t think she could quit drinking altogether. When out for a nice dinner or attending a get-together, she still wanted the freedom of having a drink or two. Her counselor agreed that limiting her drinking could be a good solution and they set a goal for Sara to cut back her consumption to these special occasions only. Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab, whether it’s for you or a loved one. Submit your number and receive a free call today from a treatment provider.
- These are all valid reasons, and many can accomplish their goals without needing a treatment center.
- In terms of moderation management and addiction recovery, when the first thought comes into our minds we immediately consider ways of stopping the misuse of medications forever.
- Proactively cutting back on drinking can start to illuminate how drinking less can give you more, and create the mental clarity to identify your goals and values.
- Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab, whether it’s for you or a loved one.
If you choose moderation, you’ll probably be asked to attend further counselling sessions so your progress can be assessed, and further treatment and advice can be provided if needed. If you are worried about your drinking or have had an alcohol-related accident or injury, you may be offered a short counselling session known as a brief intervention. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (the main piece of literature utilized by 12-step fellowships across the globe) states three main types of drinkers. A drinker can easily ward off the need to have one too many drinks at happy hour by taking the drug. Abstinence may not be a realistic solution with some addictions, such as eating and in some cases sexual addictions. For these addictions moderation is the prescribed course of action.
Laxative Addiction
The reality for alcohol addictions, for example, is that people have an average of two and a half relapses in their ultimate turn to permanent sobriety. A commitment to sobriety means that you are committed to a course of action, understanding that it is not an easy task and one that takes a great deal of patience, persistence and practice. We are not perfect beings, we are fallible and breaking a commitment is not the same as giving up on one. A permanent commitment means we are committed to a course of action for the future and we will do every thing in our power to fulfill and maintain that commitment.
- His friends rally around him, offering alternatives and moral support to help him kick the habit for good.
- “I have had more than one client refer to alcohol as the love of their life and their best friend,” she said.
- They will not likely be able to put down the drink for an extended period without professional intervention.
- However, the effects vary based on factors such as age, weight, sex, health conditions, and tolerance.
- Such people may choose to remain abstinent after staying abstinent out of necessity for a period of time.
Sleep in the C-Suite: Is Your Mental Health Causing Sleeples…
Maintaining abstinence and focusing on building relapse prevention skills are vital strategies to sustain long-term sobriety. There is the problem drinker, who drinks too much quite frequently. This individual enjoys the effect produced by alcohol – just as the alcoholic does. However, once this individual begins to experience consequences due to their drinking, they have no issue putting down the drink altogether. For example, if a loved one expresses concern and gives a request, the drinker will successfully quit and not look back.