Most relapse prevention plans highlight the numerous benefits of drug and alcohol abstinence to ensure long-term recovery. However, this doesn’t mean that people aren’t curious about whether they’ll be able to drink or use substances occasionally after completing rehabilitation. So let’s take a closer look at abstinence vs. moderation.
Understanding the Definition of Abstinence
This method is the conscious and complete avoidance of alcohol or substances. It’s the evidence-based approach often recommended for people with substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD), where any level of consumption could trigger relapse or adverse health effects.
Interestingly, although many people associate abstinence with addiction, it’s frequently a choice for various personal, health, cultural, or religious reasons, too. For example, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints don’t use any type of altering substance—including tobacco or caffeinated coffee or tea—or consume alcohol as part of the Mormon Health Code: Word of Wisdom.
Along these lines, a lot of people don’t drink due to health issues that are exacerbated by drugs or alcohol, such as liver disease, heart conditions, or certain medications that interact negatively with alcohol. Others may avoid substances and alcohol to maintain their emotional, mental, or physical health.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that this approach may require significant lifestyle changes, including avoiding social situations where substances are present. It can also involve psychological challenges, such as dealing with cravings and the need for coping strategies and sobriety initiatives.
How Is Moderation Different?
This concept, also sometimes referred to as limited or controlled use, focuses on an objective to reduce consumption to levels deemed safe or non-harmful, allowing individuals to partake without experiencing negative consequences. Moderation may be suitable for people with mild SUD or <a href="https://greatoaksrecovery.com/alcohol-detoxification/">AUD</a> or as part of a medication-assisted treatment protocol.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that moderate alcohol use is two drinks or less in a day for men and one drink or less in a day for women. Below, we provide verbatim the details on how the CDC defines a drink:
- 12 ounces of beer with 5 percent alcohol.
- 8 ounces of malt liquor with 7 percent alcohol.
- 5 ounces of wine with 12 percent alcohol.
- A shot or 1.5 ounces of liquor or distilled spirits (80-proof liquor):
- 80 proof means the liquor has 40 percent alcohol.
- Brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey are examples of types of liquor.
These guidelines aim to offer a general standard for what’s considered low-risk alcohol consumption. However, the effects vary based on factors such as age, weight, sex, health conditions, and tolerance. Moderation for one person is often quite different for another, depending on these variables.
Importance of Abstinence in Addiction Recovery
Abstinence is the preferred medical recommendation for achieving lasting sobriety if you or someone you love has a genetic predisposition to AUD or SUD. Research indicates that 40–60 percent of risk factors are biological, so many family members choose to abstain if they know their background. Zero tolerance is also recommended for people with a history of SUD or AUD if moderate consumption poses considerable risks.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains in great detail how alcohol affects your brain and the stages of the addiction cycle. For people choosing recovery, abstinence is preferred to not only help the brain and body break chemical dependency but also to encourage a shift in behavior and emotional regulation. Even small amounts of alcohol can act as a trigger, making moderation an unrealistic or unsafe goal. Abstinence helps maintain stability and reduces the risk of relapse, and is also advised when someone has SUD, as there’s a tendency to simply substitute one chemical for another.
Learn More at Great Oaks
Deciding between moderation and abstinence in the treatment and management of SUD or AUD requires careful consideration of:
- Psychological and physical health
- Risk and preventative factors
- Addiction severity
- Environment, including levels of stress and social context
By understanding the key differences between these paths, you or someone you love can make informed decisions that align with goals and needs, whether aiming for harm reduction or complete recovery.
As a premier addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis treatment center, Great Oaks Recovery Center outside of Houston, Texas can help. Our board-certified medical professionals offer a multi-faceted treatment program that meets you where you are and provides an opportunity to design a healthy life on your terms. Trust that we’ll work together to develop a continuum of care plan that enables you to live your best life. Learn more about our whole-person healing philosophy by consulting a member of our admissions team today.
