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. There are no requirements for changing your relationship with alcohol and seeking treatment. The choice between harm reduction vs. abstinence is most often made by an individual after careful reflection and introspection.
- On the other hand, upon cutting back on drinking, many heavy drinkers experience improvements in sleep, cognitive function, weight loss, productivity, interpersonal relationships, energy, and overall mental health.
- These experts can provide invaluable guidance, helping you assess your needs and identify the most effective strategies for your recovery.
- Social situations can be challenging for those in recovery, with the pressure to drink often present in various settings.
- Your CBT therapist will teach you how to avoid certain triggers and cope effectively with those that are unavoidable.
- The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder.
Effects of moderate drinking
Still, when it comes to looking at entire alcohol abstinence vs moderation population, most individuals that abuse alcohol are specifically NOT those more severe cases, which means the results might actually be more generalizable. These individuals notably made up just 14% of the sample, the smallest group of the three. At least based on these data, they are likely to make up a minor sub-set of individuals who seek moderation-focused treatment.
- Reflecting on your values and what feels most authentic to you can help guide your decision between abstinence and moderation.
- 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.
- Drinking in moderation can teach individuals better drinking habits without eradicating alcohol from their lives.
- For example, most college students don’t want to give up drinking altogether.
When Is My Drinking an Issue?
Submit your number and receive a free call today from a treatment provider. Symptoms of withdrawal can include anxiety, confusion, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, shaking and tremors, and insomnia. These symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, so it is imperative to understand your relationship with alcohol to avoid withdrawal. Of the patients studied, 90% of total abstinence patients were still sober two and a half years after treatment.
Quit or Cut Back on Alcohol With Reframe!
Let’s explore some ways we can practice moderate drinking or abstinence. A personalized relapse prevention plan is essential for maintaining sobriety, as it helps individuals identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and set achievable goals. By taking proactive steps, such as staying mindful of triggers, using coping strategies, and seeking help when needed, individuals can stay on track with their relapse prevention plan and enjoy a fulfilling sober life. While the burden to deliver effective treatments falls on health care providers, individual factors can impact how well someone responds to these treatments. Among the most widely studied are how motivated and confident someone is in being able to reduce or quit drinking. Given the field’s historical emphasis on abstinence-based approaches, key individual factors to treatment outcome remain more of a mystery when it comes to moderation-focused treatment, sometimes called “harm reduction”.
What Causes Gambling Addiction?
By taking the time to thoroughly understand the implications of abstinence, you can make an informed choice that puts you on the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Remember, commitment and perseverance are key to successfully navigating the challenges that may arise along the way. With the right support and determination, you can overcome the grips of addiction and embrace a future free from its control. If you’re considering abstaining from alcohol, initiatives such as Sober October and Dry January provide https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/am-i-an-alcoholic-do-i-have-a-drinking-problem/ 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. It also gives you a way to reframe the conversation if you’re gathered with friends and family so the focus is less on the substance and more on community.