When you begin to drink more and more often and become wary of what it is doing to your mind and body, there will come a point where you want to change your relationship with alcohol. What do you do, try to cut down on your drinking or choose abstinence? There is no either-or in this – it depends on you, your symptoms, and your goals.
Please read on to understand moderation vs abstinence, and how you can decide which one is the better option for you.
What Is Controlled Drinking or Moderation?
Controlled drinking, also referred to as moderation, involves consuming alcohol occasionally without exceeding safe limits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this means no more than 2 drinks per day for males and 1 drink per day for males. Just for your information, a standard drink is typically standard drink is typically 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits such as rum or vodka.
Moderate drinking is a harm-reduction strategy – it allows you to enjoy alcohol in social settings while also minimizing the negative effects that come with heavy drinking.
What Is Abstinence in Alcohol Use?
Abstinence from alcohol means entirely avoiding any kind of consumption of alcoholic beverages. This approach eliminates all risks tied to drinking, such as intoxication and other health complications.
It is a strategy to reset all drinking habits and improve overall well-being. Abstinence is characterized by a commitment to an alcohol-free, sober lifestyle, which is supported by detox, psychotherapy, medications, and peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery. Going cold turkey on your own can lead to discomforting and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms, so always consider medical care if you choose abstinence.
Pros and Cons of Controlled Drinking
In the context of moderation vs abstinence, moderation can appeal to those who want to maintain a responsible relationship with alcohol instead of cutting it out of life once and for all. So, here are some pros and cons of moderation:
Pros:
- Creates a buzzed, relaxed feeling.
- Creates the feeling of connection and belonging.
- Allows flexibility for occasional enjoyment without full elimination.
Cons:
- Risks toward heavy drinking or relapse increase even with moderate use.
- Can lead to reduced benefits if limits are pushed.
- Can lead to injuries and accidents.
- Not suitable for everyone, especially those with a history of alcohol use disorder, binge drinking, or seizures.
Pros and Cons of Abstinence
Once again, in the context of moderation vs abstinence, abstinence is the preferred route for those with alcohol use disorder, frequent relapses, and other health complications. So, here are the pros and cons of abstinence.
Pros:
- Reduces and even eliminates all alcohol-related health risks, leading to better physical and mental health.
- Resets tolerance for alcohol, making any future instances of moderation easier.
- Improves the quality of life, with benefits fully experienced after 5-7 years of sustained abstinence.
Cons:
- Can be challenging to maintain, especially after a period of prolonged, heavy drinking.
- Initial withdrawal symptoms and reset can be tough, which is why detox, therapy, and aftercare are highly recommended.
- May lead to feelings of isolation in social settings where drinking is common.
Long-Term Effects of Moderation vs Abstinence
Over time, a sober lifestyle is better – abstinence indeed shows stronger positive outcomes compared to moderation.
Full abstinence leads to reduced physical and mental health risks, improved physical and psychological health, and greater well-being. Moderate drinking, meanwhile, is not beneficial in the long run. It is also linked with an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other mental health conditions. Specifically among older persons, better outcomes are experienced with abstinence rather than controlled drinking.
Moderation vs. Abstinence Considerations for Specific Populations
The choice between moderation and abstinence can vary among specific populations as well. It is something for you to consider if you fall among any of these:
Adolescents – Alcohol use can begin as early as 12 years. However, any kind of alcohol use so early can impair brain development and even lead to irreversible brain damage. Therefore, abstinence is strongly recommended for adolescents and teenagers
Pregnant Persons – Generally speaking, no safe level of alcohol exists during pregnancy. Abstinence is crucial to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, premature birth, and other behavioral disorders among children. Even moderate exposure raises such risks for children.
Dual Diagnosis – Abstinence often yields better outcomes for those with a dual diagnosis of mental health and alcohol use, as alcohol can worsen anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moderation can be risky, but many who choose to recover from their mental health conditions choose sobriety for the time being and later prefer it as a lifestyle.
Financial Impacts of Choosing Between Moderation vs Abstinence
One thing we always overlook when it comes to alcohol use is the financial impact. We may think about it in terms of the cost it leads to in rehab or treatment, but we often forget that alcoholism in itself is an expensive habit to have. With every drink, it only becomes heavy on your pocket. Many of those with alcohol use disorder or heavy alcoholism (not everyone, especially high-functioning alcoholics) struggle financially as they are not able to hold jobs and have to borrow or even steal to obtain alcohol.
In this regard, abstinence cuts down expenses by a great deal. Even if you invest in rehab for abstinence, it is only a temporary cost that you have to bear compared to the longer-lasting costs of alcoholism. Controlled drinking also becomes heavy on the pocket when it becomes regular, especially when you factor in other health complications.
Choosing Between Moderation vs Abstinence
Ultimately, the decision of moderation vs abstinence depends on your medical history, health, and goals now that you know what moderation and what abstinence in alcohol use are. In a nutshell, if your drinking has not yet led to any major concerns of abuse or dependence, or other health complications, then moderation with strict limits can be good for you. However, for those with alcohol use disorder and major health complications, abstinence is the healthier, sustainable option.
Take Your First Step Toward a Healthier Life With Skyline Recovery
If you are struggling with alcohol use and are ready for change, moderation or abstinence are not easy to come by. Many times, taking this path on your own can be dangerous, too, especially in the case of withdrawal symptoms.
However, you are not alone. Reach out to Skyline Recovery Center today – our expert team offers personalized outpatient rehab options and harm-reduction strategies to enable you to build a healthier future. We also connect you to sober living options, Alcoholics Anonymous, Moderation Management, and other peer support groups for ongoing support and community.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at (310) 269-0038 to begin healing now!