Moderation or Abstinence?

[Annieslane]

Moderation or Abstinence?

I am new to the group, and did get a feeling that there was peer presure to be al free. Im not sure what path i make take but thank you eve for posting this im keen to pop over and read some off the moderation comments.
I also was 6 days al free, however did not post this as if i decided to have a drink ( like last night4 glasses of wine with a friend) I didnt want to feel like i have failed, when 6 days should be a achievment!

[Eve11]

Moderation or Abstinence?

Annieslane,
:welcome:

Yes, you can always post over on the mod board with no fear of needing to be careful with what you say. Harm reduction (reducing the amount one has been drinking) is a big accomplishment and you'll be patted on the back for that over in mods. People can always jump around so if you want to be AF for the day or week, pop in on the AF sites and get the support you need from them to do that. If you had a drink or two or more than intended and want to talk about that, come our way over on long term moderation and share your feelings/concerns there.

Glad you found MWO!
:l
Eve11

[DfromCT]

Moderation or Abstinence?

Hi, AnniesLane, Poly, and anyone else that's new who may be AF or modding. If you are not sure about which path to take on this journey (AF or Mod of some sort) I highly suggest the long term moderation section of the forums.

I want to be clear: None of us that like to hang in the moderation area are calling the AF folks here and those that dominate the Newbies Nest wrong for the path they chose. It's right for them, it helps them stay sober, and they're very protective of their lair. But if you're not certain if you're going to stay AF or try moderation, you'll find a more open and tolerant discussion of moderation, regardless of where you stand with your relationship to alcohol, in the long term moderation part of the forum. Some will make me wrong for suggesting moderation as an alternative, while others will make me wrong because to them I've never tried moderation. I've recently passed my 90 day AF milestone (ok, I drank 1/2 a beer around day 85 and powerfully chose not to have more, despite availability) but like to be able to speak freely about modding, thus I choose to do so in the long term moderation area.

I also want to be clear that anyone that is ready to abstain and not consider moderation, or who "already knows" moderation won't work for them, you will get a whole lot of support from well meaning fellow abstainers in the Newbies Nest. I encourage you to go there and be part of that community.

If you come here with the intention to moderate, or not sure, I encourage you to set a goal (though certainly not a prerequisite!) of at least 30 days AF, and join us in the long term moderation area. There is an alternative for those that wish to discuss moderation while respecting the AF sanctity of the nest. Either way welcome and good luck.