Is it possible to moderate?

[lookingforhope]

Just wanting your opinions...love you all.

[Croft]

Is it possible to moderate?

I think it is. In fact it is my ultimate goal. I have had glimpses into its possibilities. I have lived it for stints of time. I will be that life-style starting in May. Until then I am AF.

[Guest]

Is it possible to moderate?

For me, NO. Depending on you and how far your drinking has gone you may or may not be able to moderate after an initial period AF.

5 Years ago, following a home detox and 30 days AF I tried to drink again - started with 1 or 2 drinks on a Friday/Saturday night. Within 6 weeks I was missing days off work, started to drink in the morning (on binges) and took an overdose.

Be very careful - some heavy drinkers can go back to social drinking but it can be extremely dangerous for true alcoholics to attempt.

I know, even now on day 36 that if was to have a drink, it would more than likely be 20 all at once. So AF I must stay.

[nojoke]

Is it possible to moderate?

For me the thought of being AF made it difficult to start addressing the problem. And that IS the problem. Once you have really committed to addressing the issue, it will work. I'm not saying it is easy. I slipped again after 18 months. So for me, moderation is even scarier than af. You are the best judge of what is right for you. But whatever your choice maybe, remain vigilant

[cowgal]

Is it possible to moderate?

tough

This is a tough question! Sometimes I CAN moderate, sometimes I cannot...............I go to AA, they FIRMLY beleive that once you have "crossed that line" into alcoholism, in other words losing control on the amount to take, and not being able to quit on your own (which I can always do.............quit on my own) BUT I do find myself losing control, which means I may be nearing the alcoholism end faster and faster now...............?? I have moderated well in the past, and moderated poorly in the past..........................

Just my 2 cents worth, bet ya wish I didn't add it!!!

Love you,:l:h:l:h

MA

[livingfree]

Is it possible to moderate?

I personally do think it is possible to moderate. I have seen quite a few successful moderators on here. I think you have to look at YOUR history to know if you can moderate. These are questions I asked myself before I decided the answer.

1. Are you a compulsive personality in other areas in your life also?

2. Have you tried moderating with success before? (at least 2 weeks of success)

3. Have you ever been able to go the 30 days abstaining before?

4. If you have abstained before, once you started moderating did you find yourself right back in trouble within a month?

5. Do you like the way you feel after 30 days of abstaining enough for it to be a reason to give it up completely? (do the pros outweigh the cons)

When I answered these questions for myself - I decided that the risk was to great that I would find myself right back where I didn't want to be. But that's me. Drinking is not an option for me. Plus - I am liking the new me I am discovering. It's like a chance to "grow up" again!

Maybe some others would add some questions to this list that might be helpful?

Best to you
Liv

[paula]

Is it possible to moderate?

I truly believe if you are alcoholic, as I am you can't drink at all. It's like an allergy to me.
Paula.

[Sunbeam]

Is it possible to moderate?

I think I am somewhere between a non-drinker and moderator. I had my first glass of wine last Friday since January, ended up drinking a couple of glasses without intending to. I haven't wanted any more since then. Maybe I'll have another glass next month. So I guess that very moderate level will work for me in the future. Unless I'm wrong. I wasn't a daily drinker before coming here - more like a weekly binge drinker. I think I'm fine now at not starting to drink, but not as good as I had hoped at stopping.

[Skid Row]

Is it possible to moderate?

I'm in the middle of a muddle, sometimes I am determined and strong, and then, I get bored and think what the hell I have been good for so long I deserve a break. Well the break is the hard part, it then takes me a few really yucky hangovers (like about 20) before I hop back on the old sober horse again, which - you can probably guess I am riding at the moment. I do like being sober, but I do miss old AL when he isn't around, the thought of attending a function without a glass of something leaves me feeling like i'd rather not go. This is all a bit sad, but all very true. I have no problem with stopping once I make the resolve, I just have trouble re-stopping, a night off always leads to a couple of weeks on. Hey, point to note for the ladies out there, it is always when I am due to start my period that I am at my worst. SO moderation would be ace, just don't know if it is reachable for me.

[ZenMetal]

Is it possible to moderate?

I was unable to moderate, so abstinence was my only viable way out. Being totally honest, I tried to moderate because I didn't really *want* to quit altogether. I was, as all alcoholics are, completely attached to my drink-blanket, and the thought of being without it was utterly horrifying. This, in itself, is classic alcoholic thinking.

The only thing I would suggest considering - and I say this non-judgementally - is ask yourself why you want to moderate rather than quit completely. When I finally asked myself the same question, the honest answer I gave - that I was actually scared to go on without alcohol - prompted me to give up completely - because I know at that moment that I could never moderate successfully.

I don't claim that abstinence is for everyone. But for me, it was the only possible way forward. I'm now 7 months sober and re-assembling my life - in a genuine way - for the first time in two decades.

Peace & strength,

ZM

[LVT25]

Is it possible to moderate?

This is a great question. It's been asked before and always brings up alot of good "insight".

I think the attraction to this program is the hope of moderation, and the glory of it is, some just decide they'd rather just quit. I f you're a non-drinker--you just don't need to worry about whether you will or won't. Some even take the extra brave step and go on Antabuse of their own free will.

In my case, I don't see me ever quitting totally. But I think I've been here long enough (hope anyway) to know that I can cut down considerably. I've also noticed everyone's idea of moderation is different. With me, I don't drink during the week just because I can anymore. Right now I only drink socially, and I am getting better at controlling that. I don't see me 6 months from now going back to my old ways. The tools I'm using seem to be working for me.

[comityguy]

Is it possible to moderate?

I have been able to moderate successfully for extended periods of time, and have abstained completely for over a year, but eventually I've relapsed/over imbibed to an inordinate degree. I am struggling now trying to decide if I should just give up attempting to control my drinking and just let it go for good.... I gave up hard liquor over 6 years ago, gave up beer 2 years ago, and now typically only drink red wine.

[FloridaBoy]

Is it possible to moderate?

Only YOU know if you can moderate. I can't and I don't miss the hangovers.