When recovering from Alcohol Abuse Disorder (AUD), many will consider choosing between complete abstinence or opting for modifying their drinking habits.
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some people choose to drink less to create a healthier relationship with alcohol rather than quitting entirely.
Abstinence is usually the best choice, but some people may prefer moderate drinking to fit their personal goals and lifestyle.
This article discusses what modified drinking will look like and offers guidance and strategies if considering this path.
What is Modified Drinking?
Instead of abstinence, modified drinking is all about setting personal limits and reducing consumption to a level that's healthier and manageable.
This approach is appealing to those who are not full-blown alcoholics but understand that their drinking habits could use moderation.
Who Is Modified Drinking For?
A modified drinking strategy might be suitable if you:
Recognise patterns of excessive drinking to cope with stress or emotions.
Desire a healthier lifestyle without the adverse effects associated with regular heavy drinking.
Have experienced a relapse, with modifying drinking serving as a transitional phase back to abstinence.
It's critical to understand that modified drinking is not for everyone. Many people find that alcohol triggers cravings and a return to uncontrolled drinking patterns. For these people, abstinence is the best way forward.
How to Modify Drinking Habits?
Switching to modified drinking patterns requires self-awareness, planning, and commitment. Here are some tips for creating an effective strategy:
Set goals: Clear and realistic goals are the building blocks of modified drinking habits. Determine what you want to achieve, limit drinking to specific occasions, and set alcohol-free days.
Use a drinking diary: A drinking diary keeps track of your habits, recording every drink you consume and the feelings you associate with drinking. This helps identify patterns and triggers. Smartphone apps can also track alcohol consumption with reminders and visual progress reports.
Maintain alcohol-free days: Set specific days to keep alcohol-free. These can help break routines and reduce drinking.
Drink slowly and mindfully: Savour each drink and pace yourself—alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic ones or water to stay hydrated while reducing your intake.
Avoid triggers: Learn which situations and environments can trigger excessive drinking and develop ways to avoid or manage them. This could include not going to bars and avoiding social situations where heavy drinking is expected.
Build a support system: Share your goals with trusted friends and family who you know will encourage and motivate you and hold you accountable.
Join support groups: A support group where you can share your experiences and get insights from other recovering people can help keep you on track, whether you are choosing abstinence or modified drinking.
Potential Risks of Modified Drinking
During the early stages of recovery, modified drinking can seem like a workable solution, but it does have risks for those with alcohol dependence issues, including:
Risk of relapse: Many can find even small amounts of alcohol can trigger cravings, leading to a return to problem drinking. You should learn to recognise your limits and be aware of the risk of relapse.
Withdrawal symptoms: Going from being a heavy drinker to an occasional indulgence can cause withdrawal symptoms. These are uncomfortable and even dangerous in certain circumstances. Always consult a healthcare professional when making changes.
Psychological factors: When you have been using alcohol as a coping mechanism, it can complicate the process of modifying your drinking habits.
Where to Go Next?
Whether to modify drinking habits or practice abstinence can be a challenging question to answer without professional help.
Modified drinking has risks. Understanding what they are, setting goals, and building a support network will significantly improve your ability to create a healthier relationship with alcohol.
If you're ready to find out whether you need abstinence or if modified drinking can work for you, take advantage of a free consultation at Reset My Future. Together, we will find the best path forward for you.
