And while some might indeed be able to moderate and not “fall all the way in,” alcohol use is still a slippery slope. And many of us decide that it’s simply not worth it to find out which group we belong to — those prone to slipping or those who manage to stay safe. Not to mention the physical symptoms which could include paleness, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, clammy skin, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, tremors, intense sweating, and nausea and vomiting.
Why Moderation Isn’t Always the Best Strategy for Everyone
If we feel that quitting alcohol is too restrictive and abstinence might backfire or trigger binge drinking, moderation might be a better choice. Additionally, moderation can be a slippery slope for some alcohol drinkers. It can be easy to underestimate the amount of alcohol https://vneekagenericpharmacy.com/2022/04/25/how-to-stop-drinking-alcohol-every-night/ we actually drink. 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. So, even if we think we’re practicing moderate drinking, we might not be. The main argument against moderate drinking is that any amount of alcohol can be harmful.
Check your drinking
One option is abstinence-based treatment for individuals who have decided to stop drinking completely and want to stay stopped over the long term. Their decision is often the result of failed attempts at controlled drinking and/or suffering severe alcohol-related consequences. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and other public health agencies, there are at least four times as many problem drinkers as alcoholics in this country.
- Occasional drinking refers to drinking alcohol infrequently and in small amounts, typically in social settings or on special occasions.
- Recovered alcoholics drinking again is not news, it is just part of the statistics.
- If you already drink at low levels and continue to drink, risks for these issues appear to be low.
- We adhere to strict accuracy guidelines and only reference credible sources when providing information on our website.
- Additionally, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance companies to provide coverage for addiction treatments in Texas.
- Healthy coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes can be instrumental in the recovery process, no matter what stage someone is in.
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Begin your journey to recovery with personalized drug & alcohol rehab—verify your insurance coverage in under a minute. Drinking alcohol is common throughout alcoholism symptoms most areas of the United States. Alcohol is available in stores, at social events, in restaurants, and just about anywhere adults gather. Support for alcohol substance abuse in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and all PSYPACT participating states.
- Setting up personal guidelines and expectations—and tracking results—can make maintaining moderation easier.
- There is a natural hope and curiosity surrounding the possibility of regaining a controlled relationship with alcohol after experiencing significant problems.
- If you decide to use moderation management, it’s important to tell family members and friends that you’ll be abstaining from alcohol and may experience withdrawal symptoms.
- Let our highly qualified and knowledgeable team help you navigate this challenging journey.
Drinking After Sobriety FAQs
Drinking in moderation means consuming limited amounts of alcohol. According to the CDC, drinking moderately refers to two standard drinks or fewer a day for men and one standard drink or fewer a day for women. We really need to better understand the true health effects of drinking just one drink a day.
Evidence-based treatment programs, like those at Alamo Behavioral Health, provide personalized care to address all aspects of addiction. Some individuals may can an alcoholic drink in moderation feel they have regained control and can manage alcohol consumption, which often leads to risky decisions and potential relapse. Therapy, both individual and group-based, is important for addressing these patterns. It helps individuals identify their emotional triggers, develop healthier responses, and stay accountable to their recovery goals. Encouragement from peers and loved ones also reinforces these positive changes and provides a safety net during difficult times. For some people with milder alcohol use disorders, learning to drink in moderation after a period of sobriety is achievable.
Risks of moderate alcohol use
After-work happy hours, concerts, and dinners with friends may include alcohol consumption. This raises the issue of what other problems are percolating below the surface that may have fueled the development of the drinking problem in the first place. If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost help for alcohol misuse. Find a health center near you and ask about alcohol misuse screening and counseling.
While some people may be able to drink in moderation again, some won’t, and that’s okay. The decision to drink or stay sober will depend on your history with alcohol, your progress in treatment, your mental health, and your long-term goals. Call us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or any other addiction. We will meet you where you are and work on equipping you with the techniques and approaches to succeed with your goals.