Throughout recent years, people have tried many different methods for treating alcoholism, including drinking in moderation as opposed to full abstinence. However, drinking in moderation isn’t something that works for most alcoholics. For most, the best treatment options involve abstaining and avoiding alcohol at all costs. But why is that? Why doesn’t the moderation management program work for most alcoholics? Are there any types of people that could find success with this type of program? To learn more about moderation management and other alcoholism treatment methods, keep reading.
What is Moderation Management?
Moderation Management (MM) is a program that allows alcoholics to drink in moderation. The program is said to help those with an alcohol addiction return to a normal pattern of drinking. Those who wish to participate in the Moderation Management program must undergo a 30-day period in which they abstain from all alcohol. During this time period, they’ll also learn strategies for avoiding and controlling their triggers, as well as healthy coping mechanisms and other behaviors.
Moderation Management required alcoholics to take a look at themselves and their drinking patterns. However, it also makes them test themselves around alcohol to see if they’re capable of stopping themselves from going overboard. Unfortunately, for some people, this program doesn’t work.
Drawbacks to the Moderation Management Program
Simply put, for many, the Moderation Management program just doesn’t work. Because it requires patients to build up a strong defense to their desires. They must learn coping mechanisms, healthy behaviors, and so much more in order to be able to have just one or two drinks here and there. However, for many, this is unobtainable, as one or two drinks will never feel like enough.
For those with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder, Moderation Management programs will be ineffective. These types of people will find much more success with strict abstinence. For those with minor alcohol use disorder, there are still drawbacks, including:
- The inability to predict how much you’ll drink in one session. You may aim to have only one or two, but you might end up drinking too much.
- During the period of abstinence, you might forget about the downsides of drinking. You may convince yourself that it’s okay to keep drinking in the same way.
- When reducing your alcohol intake initially, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms. If you continue to drink afterward, you may have to go through these withdrawal symptoms on a regular basis.
Why Alcoholics Should Choose Abstinence over Moderation
If you’re looking to treat alcoholism, the best option for many is abstinence. By choosing abstinence, you can learn how to go about your life without having to rely on alcohol. While moderation programs may use alcohol as a crutch, you can learn how to navigate life without it. By learning coping mechanisms and healthy behaviors, you can learn to live a life without having to think about alcohol every day.
By choosing abstinence, you’ll be able to truly recover from the hold that alcohol has on your life. You won’t have to worry about drinking and relapsing because you’ll simply be able to abstain completely,
Seek Treatment for Alcoholism
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, it may be time to seek treatment. Here at Asheville Recovery Center, we offer partial hospitalization programs, outpatient treatment programs, aftercare planning, and more. To learn more about our programs and how they can help you get and stay sober, call today to speak with a treatment specialist. We’re eager to answer any questions you may have and help you or a loved one on the road to recovery.
