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. Experts have pointed out that people who drink moderately may have better lifestyle habits, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, which could factor into their overall health status. In addition, people who don’t drink at all may have had prior difficulties with alcohol misuse that impacted their long-term health. In terms of how much wine is moderate, the CDC advises no more than 5 ounces of wine per day for women and 10 ounces for men.

Your drinking “sweet spot”

Once you see things clearly and accept them for what they are, you are in the position to assess what you would like to see change. These guidelines are helpful in allowing us to think about where we want to aim for, in terms of moderation. A moderate drinker is generally someone who enjoys the relaxing and social benefits of an occasional drink or two, but without the negative consequences. Drinking is in proportion with the rest of their life in that it does not dominate and there are many other sources of interest, joy and stimulation. Feel free to share your own experience, tips, or questions about moderate drinking in the comments below.

Don’t Forget to Eat

By reframing your drinking target as a “magic number” that is about your pleasure rather than as how to drink moderately a “limit,” many people are able to embrace alcohol moderation as a friend rather than a foe. Alcohol causes dehydration, which contributes to hangovers, which absolutely no one wants. To avoid feeling like you’ve been hit by a bus the morning after a night out, drink water— lots. It’s suggested to drink a glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage you consume to help counteract the dehydrating effect booze can have. Plus, when you’re drinking water, you’re not drinking alcohol, which is a healthy way to monitor your intake and create more balance within your body.

Alcohol Use

• The idea behind drinking mindfully and in moderation is to enjoy alcohol responsibly without getting “drunk.” People have vastly differing relationships with alcohol.
• Plus, the inner you who “comes alive” at a party when drinking is still … YOU.
• For example, many beers are about 5 percent alcohol, but some have higher percentages of alcohol.
• Moderation Management™ is a nonprofit that provides a non-judgmental, compassionate peer-support community.

In short, drinking less can give you more out of life as you promote and sustain your well-being. Another common practice to encourage moderated drinking habits is the concept of ‘one for one’ where you alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Many opt for water for their non-alc option (hydration boost!), but you can choose anything you’d like (bonus points for something without added sugar). These science-backed what is alcoholism guidelines help you keep your drinking within limits that won’t wreck your health or your Tuesday morning.

And we will help you develop a more useful perspective on the problem. We will work collaboratively with you to formulate a treatment plan that is effective, feasible, and makes sense. We will discuss with you the pros and cons of abstinence and the pros and cons of moderation. And we will respectfully offer you our professional advice and recommendations. 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. However, most alcohol treatment programs are designed for people with the most severe drinking problems.

Sobriety Sampling: Can taking a short break from drinking make a difference?

These guidelines are the destination; you’ll set small goals to work toward these guidelines. You’ve probably been told that controlled drinking is simply not a safe or realistic option for anyone who’s developed a drinking problem. And that it is a setup for failure based on the assumption that drinking problems always progress and inevitably gets worse.

You can also make notes in your smartphone to keep track of your drinks. These calories add up — and getting more calories than you need can make it harder to stay at a healthy weight. Studies have shown that females begin having alcohol-related problems at lower levels of alcohol consumption than males. In such circumstances, you can certainly talk to the other person about your decision to drink less than you have been, and ask if they might be willing to support you and perhaps limit their drinking when around you. If you state this in a respectful way, they will likely be considerate of your request.

Replace Alcohol

While straight liquor may not be everyone’s go-to, ordering vodka, gin, whiskey, or scotch neat (or on the rocks with ice) is one way to keep calories down and prevent consuming alcohol too quickly. Drinks served in this fashion are meant to be sipped slowly, not chugged. Drinking your favorite spirit in this manner can keep you from consuming too much, too fast—and, without the sugary, high-carb mixers, you’re cutting empty calories. In that same vein, shifting your social gatherings towards activities that aren’t centered around drinking can make cutting down much easier and take the pressure off the temptation or the pressured obligation to drink. There’s an endless number of fun things to do with loved ones that involve no drinking whatsoever.