Is it possible to become a moderate drinker

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One of the most common questions people who struggle with alcohol use and try to quit drinking ask is whether they really have to stop forever. Can they learn how to drink in moderation?

Can they become social drinkers? Is it true that they can never have another drink? Today, there are programs like Moderation Management , which do allow for a certain level of controlled drinking and have helped many learn to drink safely. However, these programs are not meant for everyone. One drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.

Those who commit to a Moderation Management MM program must undergo a 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. Moderate drinking is possible for some people who previously had an issue with alcohol, even for those who have joined Alcoholics Anonymous , although it's likely these individuals didn't have an official alcohol use disorder commonly referred to as "alcoholism". They may have been " problem drinkers ," "heavy drinkers," or "binge drinkers.

But we cannot and should not overlook the fact that drinking alcohol for its mood-altering effects is a normative behavior that has been a part of the human experience for literally thousands of years.

When used appropriately, alcohol can enhance landmark experiences, facilitate connection between strangers, help people relax and enjoy the moment, and create an atmosphere where new ideas and new connections spontaneously occur. Even the tea-totaling Shambhala Buddhists teach a class on mindful drinking because they consider it to be a tool to loosen the subtle cling of the ego but only for the most highly evolved practitioners who have sufficient mastery over alcohol to turn a would-be poison into a positive force.

The fact is, only a small fraction of the vast alcohol-consuming population ever develops significant problems related to drinking. And how can those concerned about their drinking continue to enjoy the benefits and pleasures of alcohol without putting themselves at risk of suffering negative consequences? Since this is easier said than done, we offer some potentially helpful insights and tips.

One drink equals one ounce bottle of beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1. People can still have alcohol-related problems within these limits, particularly if they drink too quickly, have medical or mental health problems, take medication that interacts adversely with alcohol, or are elderly.

Risk factors can vary from person to person based on a variety of personal, genetic, and environmental variables. For example, people with depression, anxiety, trauma, or a family history of alcoholism may develop problems at lower levels of drinking than those not having these risk factors. Drinking mindfully is the key to drinking moderately. Outlined below are some guidelines and strategies that can help facilitate mindful moderate drinking.

Remember : Small changes can make a big difference, progress is often incremental, and it is important not to get discouraged by temporary setbacks if you find that you continue to drink more than you intend to on certain occasions. Caution : If you have any reason to think that you might be physically addicted to alcohol and at risk of suffering withdrawal symptoms e. An addiction specialist that practices within a harm reduction model can help you decide whether a professionally-guided attempt at moderation or abstinence makes the most sense for you.

In addition, U. Food and Drug Administration FDA approved medications such as oral naltrexone, long-acting injectable naltrexone Vivitrol , and acamprosate can help to reduce alcohol cravings and the urge to overdrink for a subset of individuals. Washton has served as advisor and consultant to professional sports teams, foreign governments, media organizations, multinational corporations, the U. Once you get rid of the effects of society, even a small amount of booze is associated with worse health.

While there may be some minor heart health benefits, alcohol is addictive and causes damage to many other organs, so the trade-off is not in our favour. We all want to hear that moderate drinking is good for us. As someone who drinks moderately, it would be absolutely wonderful if I could quaff a beer each night without any negatives. Alcohol is almost certainly bad for you, no matter how much you drink. Wine is delicious, beer is great, and gin is just wonderful.

And if possible, try to drink less. This article is more than 2 years old. Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz. Read more.