Alcohol Moderation vs Abstinence in Recovery
There is more than one road to recovery, but certain practices will allow you to more successfully reach your goal. Learn about alcohol moderation versus abstinence in recovery, and discover which path may be right for you while working towards your sobriety.
If you or your loved one need a safe space to recover from addiction, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn more about our short- and long-term recovery programs.
What is Abstinence?
Most people are aware of the concept of abstinence in recovery, as this is the most traditional and widely accepted method for helping those who are addicted. Abstinence requires you to quit drinking altogether. Although this may feel like a daunting task, this method has been proven to be the most effective treatment. In addition, the longer a person remains abstinent, the likelihood of relapse continues to decrease.
The primary struggle with this method is that the key is maintaining abstinence. It can be extremely difficult for a highly addicted individual to avoid urges to drink again. However, those who seek professional assistance find much more success in maintaining their abstinence, because they are given specific tools, techniques, and resources to help them as they transition from their treatment back to everyday life. Contact us to learn how Myrtle Beach Recovery can assist you.
What is Alcohol Moderation?
Alcohol moderation is when you consciously limit how much you drink. Some people believe that this method can work when a person is not yet physically dependent on alcohol. While this may sound like an enticing option, alcohol in moderation can be a slippery slope, as it makes it easier to fall back into poor habits. Plus, this form of treatment is also very mentally taxing, as having a drink while managing an addiction can feel like an enormous strain.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Everyone is different, and what works for some may not be right for others. However, according to research, abstinence has shown proven success in helping those who are addicted, while alcohol moderation has seen little results.
Consider this: if you’re ending a toxic relationship, you’d likely cut it off completely rather than staying in occasional contact with that person. Similarly, if alcohol is having a negative impact on many aspects of your life, there’s no reason to continue using it. In order to truly recover, you need to accept that you have a problem, eliminate the problem, and cultivate the skills to manage your new life without the influence of alcohol.
Contact Myrtle Beach Recovery
We hope you better understand the difference between alcohol moderation and abstinence in recovery. If you need professional assistance working towards and maintaining your sobriety, don’t hesitate to reach out to Myrtle Beach Recovery today. We offer short-term and long-term recovery programs, providing a safe place to work through the 12 Steps.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you on your path to sobriety.
