Who Is Most Likely to Benefit from Moderation-focused Alcohol Treatment? Recovery Research Institute

Unfortunately, few quantitative, survey-based studies have included substance use during treatment as a potential reason for treatment noncompletion, representing a significant gap in this body of literature (for a review, see Brorson, Ajo Arnevik, Rand-Hendriksen, & Duckert, 2013). Additionally, no studies identified in this review compared reasons for not completing treatment between abstinence-focused and nonabstinence treatment. Given data demonstrating a clear link between abstinence goals and treatment engagement in a primarily abstinence-based SUD treatment system, it is reasonable to hypothesize that offering nonabstinence treatment would increase https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-are-sober-living-homes/ overall engagement by appealing to those with nonabstinence goals. Indeed, there is anecdotal evidence that this may be the case; for example, a qualitative study of nonabstinence drug treatment in Denmark described a client saying that he would not have presented to abstinence-only treatment due to his goal of moderate use (Järvinen, 2017). Additionally, in the United Kingdom, where there is greater access to nonabstinence treatment (Rosenberg & Melville, 2005; Rosenberg & Phillips, 2003), the proportion of individuals with opioid use disorder engaged in treatment is more than twice that of the U.S. (60% vs. 28%; Burkinshaw et al., 2017).

How to Look After Your Mental Health and Work From Home

However, in some cases, people eventually come to the realization that total abstinence is a better solution, and is actually easier than attempting to maintain control. According to Harvard University Medical School, moderate drinking is successful only for people who haven’t yet developed a serious dependence or who haven’t yet experienced serious consequences as a result of drinking. Learning moderate drinking can help people set goals and make better decisions before they cross the line to alcoholism. Resources such as Lantana Recovery can offer professional help with alcohol use disorder, the urge to drink, or anything related to alcoholism treatment. By utilizing these resources and maintaining a strong support network, individuals can confidently navigate the challenges of recovery and enjoy a fulfilling, sober life.

Mental health issues are on the rise worldwide

• There is also evidence supporting the theory that one can control addiction through moderation management behaviors, which was advanced by some researchers in the past.
• Clinically, Warren has developed a therapeutic skillset that utilizes a strengths-based perspective, Twelve Step philosophies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
• This approach recognizes that your relationship with addiction may evolve over time, and your recovery strategy should be flexible and adaptable to accommodate these changes.
• Those in moderation management recovery from alcoholism are individuals who have encountered difficulties with alcohol but have learned how to begin again, in addition to recovering their constitutional right to abstain from alcohol – as outlined in The Big Book.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for addiction recovery, and your commitment to finding the most effective strategies for your unique situation will be instrumental in overcoming the challenges of addiction and building a healthier, more fulfilling life. With dedication, perseverance, and the right support, you can navigate the complexities of addiction recovery and emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to embrace a brighter future. By combining abstinence and moderation techniques, controlled drinking vs abstinence you can create a dynamic, multifaceted treatment plan that evolves with your needs and circumstances. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, allowing you to adjust your recovery strategy as needed to address both your addiction and mental health needs effectively. A moderation management program called Harm Reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support (HAMS) centers on lifestyle-related cases of medication and liquor misuse.

• This unwavering commitment to sobriety can lead to a more fulfilling life than when they were drinking alcohol, even after quitting drinking.
• Every day presents a new opportunity to define your goals and make progress towards them.
• Furthermore, when alcohol begins to take priority over friends and family, work responsibilities, or personal health, it may be time to consider a treatment plan.
• Conversely, moderation may be more suitable if the complete elimination of the addictive behavior could lead to increased stress or worsening mental health symptoms.
• Total abstinence is not the only option when changing your relationship with alcohol.

Mindfulness Meditation: Effective Treatment Strategy or Pop …

But if they have a problem with alcohol, taking a harm reduction approach could be a constructive way to help them take a look at the negative consequences of their behavior and motivate them to make positive changes. Most people who seek out moderation management (MM) have already tried and been unsuccessful at stopping drinking or cutting down on their use. For all we know, it might also be an option for people who do meet criteria for alcohol dependence but since the study we’re about to assess didn’t talk about it, we’ll leave that for later.

• AA was established in 1935 as a nonprofessional mutual aid group for people who desire abstinence from alcohol, and its 12 Steps became integrated in SUD treatment programs in the 1940s and 1950s with the emergence of the Minnesota Model of treatment (White & Kurtz, 2008).
• Navigating the journey of long-term recovery from alcohol addiction is a challenging but rewarding process.
• These goals differ from person to person and range from total abstinence to reduced alcohol consumption.
• At Monument, you can meet with a physician, such as myself, to discuss if medication to stop drinking is appropriate for you.

Through the use of self-help tools, meetings, and online resources, MM encourages individuals to take responsibility for their behavior and develop healthier drinking habits. Some clinicians and researchers posit that the field’s current emphasis on abstinence-based recovery may fail to engage many individuals with SUD because of perceptions that a goal of abstinence is required to engage with care. From a broader public health perspective, increasing access to effective SUD interventions and recovery support services is likely to enhance their overall impact (Glasgow et al., 2003). Thus, it is believed that greater adoption of flexible, patient-centered treatment and recovery approaches that support non-abstinence goals and harm reduction are likely to attract and engage more individuals in substance use related health behavior change, in turn benefitting public health. A number of studies have examined psychosocial risk reduction interventions for individuals with high-risk drug use, especially people who inject drugs. In contrast to the holistic approach of harm reduction psychotherapy, risk reduction interventions are generally designed to target specific HIV risk behaviors (e.g., injection or sexual risk behaviors) without directly addressing mechanisms of SUD, and thus are quite limited in scope.

As always, it is important to be critical when seeking help, since the quality of counselors are not consistent. If you are not feeling supported, it may be helpful to seek out another practitioner. A study conducted at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden found that the Reagans of the world are more successful in treatment than the Saras.