Last Updated on August 9, 2019 by Morris Green

Is abstinence the only option, or can a former alcoholic drink after treatment? According to Psychology Today, abstinence is not the only option and research indicates that moderate drinking can be possible for people who used to abuse alcohol. But is this answer just hype for people who want to drink again, or is there truth to it?

The Goal of Alcohol Abuse Treatment

Ask any substance abuse counselor about the goal of alcohol treatment, and they will tell you that setting goals is critical. People in general need motivation to achieve the things they want to do. Think about it; you are more likely to do something when you know you will gain something. In some ways, we all live on a reward system because rewards motivate us to do more. Substance abuse treatment for alcoholics is no exception. It is important for participants to feel like they are accomplishing something; otherwise, what is the point in progressing?

The goal of drug addiction treatment is to help a person stop using, stay drug-free, and become productive. The goal of abstinence is similar. It involves a person stopping the use of alcohol, staying alcohol-free, and thus becoming a productive individual again. The goal of abstinence versus controlled drinking is a hotly debated topic. Some believe that forever abstaining from alcohol is unrealistic. They feel controlled drinking is a more attainable goal. In contrast, others believe abstinence is the only viable option because drinking in moderation is too dangerous and could cause a serious relapse.



The goal of controlled drinking is to help those who refuse abstinence to control their alcohol consumption. But this goal is not for everyone. Substance abuse experts agree that controlled drinking is only feasible for those with less severe alcohol problems. In other words, both goals—abstinence and controlled drinking—are viable, but they are not for everyone. This begs the question…

Who Can Drink Again?

Alcohol addiction is likened to a disease because of the physical and psychological impact it has on the drinker. Think about the common cold. No one likes to get it because, unlike the flu, there isn’t anything you can take for it. A cold has to run its viral course while you do what you can to make the symptoms bearable and that is never fun. Alcoholism is similar in that the symptoms can be treated, but the condition itself takes time to remedy. And the amount of time required, that varies per person.

According to LiveScience.com, controlled drinking has emerged as an accepted treatment option for people who see abstinence as too daunting. AA has been the go-to step program used to treat alcoholics for generations, but it is not for everyone. LiveScience.com reports that AA is only about 20% effective and should be seen as part of a grouping of methods that assist alcoholics in meeting their goals. Moderation is one of those methods, and it can work. But experts warn that it is not for everyone.

The idea of controlled drinking goes against the core belief of AA, which is that all alcoholics are in denial about their ability to control their drinking. For some, there is no control, and they are severe alcoholics. For others, they can see the problem and have the ability to assert some amount of control. But in order for controlled drinking to be possible for recovering or recovered alcoholics, control must be ample. LiveScience.com offers this nugget of intel:

“Brain imaging studies have revealed that heavy drinkers…have damaged the part of the brain that can help control a drinking habit, which makes the [goal] of moderation [or controlled drinking] not just a matter of strong will but rather a physical impossibility.”

In other words, the extent of a person’s addiction can directly impact whether an alcoholic can ever drink again. Mild to moderate alcoholics might have a chance to drink socially and not relapse, but the risk is undeniable. Substances like alcohol change brain chemistry, and those changes—often permeant—forever impact risk factor.

To Drink or Not To Drink Again

The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions from 2001 to 2002 concluded that abstinence and moderation are equally effective treatment options for alcoholics. The survey included 43,000 alcoholics. 36% were in recovery, and of them, 18.2% were abstainers while 17.7% were controlled drinkers.

The question is whether drinking during or post-recovery is worth the risk. What kind of an alcoholic are (or were) you? You must honestly evaluate the control alcoholism had and whether attempting to assert control by becoming a moderate drinker is safe. Abstinence may be a challenge, but in some cases, it is safer than the pursuit of occasional social drinking.

Goals are good. They help advance treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction. But they must be realistic. Controlled drinking might sound ideal, but it can only be a worthwhile goal if it is attainable. For some, moderate drinking is not an option. You might be one of those people—there’s always that risk. It is up to you to be honest with yourself, listen to the advice of the professionals working with you, and make an educated decision.

Abstinence vs. Controlled Drinking

Abstaining from alcohol, that’s tough. Controlled drinking might sound like the easier option, but it just might be even more of a challenge than abstinence. The answer hinges on your addiction.

Consult with your doctor and your counselor before deciding on a goal during and after recovery. When you set a goal, don’t keep it to yourself. Tell your family. Tell your friends. Tell your support group. The more positive support you can find, the more likely you will be to meet your goal.

If you are recovering from severe alcoholism, abstinence may be the only option. Don’t see this as a negative because even people who choose to try drinking in moderation find that abstaining is safer. Both goals can generate positive results, and you can beat alcohol addiction now and forever.