For example, treatment providers base various treatment decisions on the drinking-behavior information provided by patients. Consequently, inaccurate information could result in suboptimal treatment. The relevance of accurate self-reports of alcohol consumption in general population studies, however, is a more complex issue.

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. There is no guaranteed “safe” can you moderate your drinking level of drinking that will cause no harm. If you do not drink at all, you eliminate the possibility of incurring any additional adverse consequences (e.g., legal problems, health risks, etc.) caused directly or indirectly by your alcohol use. Although moderation may be a good starting point for many drinkers, it is not the best approach for everyone with a drinking problem.

How to Be a Moderate Drinker

And it also addresses what many experts see as a treatment gap. In the past, it was only the people with the most severe cases of alcohol dependence who got treatment or help. Mariani says there are lots of heavy drinkers who are resistant to help or the idea of abstinence, but are open to the idea of cutting back.

She’s a social worker and therapist in Michigan who has struggled with alcohol. She realized that she used alcohol as a reward for a hard week’s work. “Getting through a Friday evening without my reward, you know, that was the tough one,” Dierker says. Her blood pressure was going up; her weight was creeping up.

Alcohol, Alcoholism

But if you look at the trajectory of an alcoholic’s life, it paints a different picture. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ The Big Book states that alcoholics have bodies that are wired differently.

Information on alcohol use, symptoms, and consequences, however, was not collected routinely until the early 1970s because alcohol dependence was not viewed as a chronic disease. By sponsoring regular surveys, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has played an important role in establishing alcohol dependence in this category. For a 30-year-old man, the increased risk of alcohol-related accidents outweighs the possible heart-related benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. There is also some evidence that genes influence how alcohol affects the cardiovascular system. An enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase helps metabolize alcohol.

Set Attainable Goals

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here.

And some people should not drink at all, like women who are pregnant or might be pregnant — and people with certain health conditions. The Guidelines also note that not drinking alcohol also is the safest option for women who are lactating. Generally, moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages by a woman who is lactating is not known to be harmful to the infant, especially if the woman waits at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing or expressing breast milk. Women considering consuming alcohol during lactation should talk to their healthcare provider.4 Learn more about breastfeeding and alcohol use.