Safe Harbor Recovery Center, located in Portsmouth, Virginia, serves men and women who have been diagnosed with substance use disorders. Many of our clients struggle with addiction to alcohol, prescription opioids, heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, and a variety of other drugs. 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. It shouldn’t be a challenge to enjoy Alcoholics Anonymous a few beers at a barbecue or wind-down cocktails with friends after work. Unfortunately, many factors contribute to alcohol addiction, so some people are simply healthier if they opt not to drink. However, there are other reasons to choose not to consume alcohol, which often helps reduce the stigma of being the only person not partaking.

Emotional Triggers

We accept most major health insurance plans, and offer complimentary insurance verification. If it’s time to focus drug addiction treatment on whole-person health and recovery, contact a member of our admissions team with your questions and we’ll be happy to help. A normal drinker can enjoy alcohol in a social setting and very rarely (if ever) experiences consequences as a direct result of their drinking. Consequences mean experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms, such as the so-called hangover, for example. We offer alcohol and drug detox services, dual-diagnosis addiction treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and more. There is a big difference between moderation and abstinence when it comes to alcohol.

• The association between greater time since problem resolution and lower risk substance use status possibly reflects an aging out of substance use (Heyman, 2010), or some individuals struggling to moderate their use and eventually gravitating toward abstinence.
• A sober lifestyle is something to be proud of, and the team at Monument is here to provide answers and encouragement throughout your journey.
• CBT is a form of psychotherapy that modifies thought patterns to change the behaviors and mood of an individual.
• In mild instances of AUD or SUD, moderation might include the following guidelines.
• Indeed, moderation appears to be a viable pathway to alcohol use disorder remission for some.

Individual Therapy

Abstinence is essential for recovering alcoholics to reach their goals and maintain their sobriety. By eliminating the temptation of alcohol completely, individuals can focus on their recovery journey without the constant struggle of resisting the urge to drink. This unwavering commitment to sobriety can lead to a more fulfilling life than when they were drinking alcohol, even after quitting drinking. On the other hand, some of us might need to avoid alcohol completely, especially if we suffer from alcohol use disorder and alcohol is an immediate threat to our health. Or some might find it more difficult to drink moderate amounts of alcohol than to avoid it completely, in which case abstinence may be a better choice.

At Ria, we offer weekly meetings with certified counselors to help members stay on track and build skills for long-term change.

Understanding Moderation vs. Abstinence

This method acknowledges that for some individuals, complete abstinence may not be a realistic or necessary solution. By practicing moderation, you strive to set boundaries and develop self-control, allowing yourself to indulge in the addictive behavior within predetermined limits. The choice between abstinence and moderation is a pivotal decision that shapes a person’s successful treatment approach and addiction recovery. In the majority of cases, most people enjoy better, more effective sobriety if they abstain from all substances.

It also helps break the illusion of control that many alcoholics have, making it easier to quit drinking alcohol for good. To date, research examining associations among abstinent and non-abstinent substance use status and well-being, has focused primarily on treatment-seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder. Subsequently, the authors found that abstinence in this sample at three years did not predict better psychological functioning at ten years (Witkiewitz et al., 2020).

You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. Survey weights were used throughout the analyses to statistically account for any under-representation in the KnowledgePanel sample, as well as differential responding to the National Recovery Study screening question.

IOP Program in New Hampshire

These programs offer a structured and supportive environment, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among members. With the help of a sponsor, you work through the 12 steps, which involve admitting powerlessness over addiction, making amends for past wrongs, and seeking spiritual guidance to maintain sobriety. For many individuals, addiction isn’t a choice—research indicates that 40-60% of risk factors are hereditary, so people with a family history of it are often better off avoiding substances altogether. Abstinence not only helps break the cycle of dependency but also fosters a comprehensive shift in behavior and emotional regulation.

This idea does not suggest that recovery is as simple as “mind-over-matter,” but Peele believes that people can set an intention to quit in line with their values without the need for inpatient or outpatient treatments. Most facilities, like inpatient rehabs, use a zero-tolerance approach, meaning that no use of any substance is allowed. Rehab facilities achieve this through random urine drug screens, group treatment programs, and care coordination. Additionally, moderation can be a slippery slope for some alcohol drinkers. For example, the moderation guideline for women is one standard drink or fewer in one day, but a generous drink we might order at the bar can easily amount to two or three standard drinks.