Can an Alcoholic Drink in Moderation?

This is one of the most common questions asked by people who are struggling to overcome their alcohol addiction.

They typically wonder, “Can I drink in moderation?” The thought of never having another drink again could seem terrifying to some people; this could be a reason why they’re asking themselves this question.

The short answer is that for someone recovering from alcohol addiction, no. Most addiction specialists will advise against it. A single drink can reset old cravings and brain chemistry, which is why total abstinence is the safest route

This is a memory that although painful, seems to belong firmly in the past. After all, you’re cured. You’re strong. And above all, you’re untouchable… or are you?

This sense of confidence amongst former addicts is all too common. If you’re reconsidering a return to the bottle, albeit from a place of moderation, we urge you to think again.

We at least urge you to get as much information as you possibly can and consider the real risk of slipping back into alcoholism.

 

There could be some pressure to drink

Christmas, weddings, and other celebrations often exert pressure on you to consume “just one drink”. But only one. Or maybe two. Or perhaps three. Call it four. OK, I hope you see where this is going.

The desire to return to moderate drinking following a period of recovery is common. The echelons of the rehab industry have preached against the ‘just one drink’ urge for years.

This sacred cow has come under fire, most notably through a cohort of academics and the ‘Moderation Management’ organisation. Perhaps so much so that recovered alcoholics are confused.

 

Moderation Management vs. Total Abstinence

If you’re a recovered alcoholic, it’s easy to see yourself in a position of strength. A position that can be deceptive. Here at Cassiobury Court, we’ve seen first-hand that the tipping point back into addiction can be very slippery indeed. We agree with the traditionalists in frowning on the ‘just one drink’ mentality.

The recovered alcoholic has likely suffered lasting alterations in their brain’s ability to produce the “feel-good” chemicals, and “just one drink” is often the start of the downfall, which could see you plunging back into an addiction nightmare.

Abstinence is, for the totality of recovered alcoholics, the only viable safe choice. Whatever benefit you derive from that ‘one drink’ is far outweighed by the potential risk it carries, and we think it is fair to say that a recovered alcoholic who does successfully return to the bottle in moderation was perhaps incorrectly diagnosed as an addict in the first place.

 

Can an Alcoholic Ever Drink Again?

You cannot be ‘cured’ outright from your addiction; ‘recovering’ as opposed to ‘recovered’ is an omnipotent word in the rehabilitation vocabulary. Many people who rehabilitate from alcohol addiction and go on to try moderate drinking actually come to the realisation that abstinence is the only option.

If you had a severe alcohol addiction, recover, then go back to a drink, albeit in moderation, you’re still highly likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop, even after a small drink.

These could include:

• Psychological symptoms: bad dreams, fatigue, feeling jumpy or nervous, feeling shaky, rapid emotional changes, irritability, anxiety, depression, or difficulty thinking clearly.
• Physical symptoms: paleness, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, clammy skin, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, tremors, intense sweating, and nausea and vomiting.

You’ll likely forget the downsides of drinking such as hangovers, upset stomach, conflicts with loved ones, and the feeling of remorse the day after. Once you start drinking, even if you plan to have it in moderation, you can never predict or control how much you’ll actually end up consuming.

For those people who are wondering ‘is it possible for alcoholics to drink in moderation?’, the likely answer is no, not without their alcohol addiction returning.

 

So, can an alcoholic ever drink again in moderation?

The traditional 12-step model is based on absolute abstinence. This is still scientifically accurate. But, on the other hand, there’s a relatively new ‘moderation management’ approach which could be considered by some.

At Cassiobury Court, the aim of our alcohol rehabilitation programme is to help you start your recovery journey. Our dedicated team will help you to set goals to achieve your long-term recovery from alcohol addiction, helping you to live a happier and healthier life free from substance abuse.

We understand that when you leave our alcohol rehab and return home, you’re at risk of relapsing, particularly within the first 12 months. Whilst relapsing can be fairly common, it’s something we’d like to avoid through our relapse prevention sessions and ongoing aftercare programme. Especially during this early period of recovery, we certainly wouldn’t recommend that you drink alcohol in moderation.

You can contact us at Cassiobury Court on 01923 369 161, or text HELP to 83222.