Understanding Moderation vs. Abstinence

It shouldn’t be a challenge to enjoy a few beers at a barbecue or wind-down cocktails with friends after work. Unfortunately, many factors contribute to alcohol addiction, so some people are simply healthier if they opt not to drink. However, there are other reasons to choose not to consume alcohol, which often helps reduce the stigma of being the only person not partaking. Let’s take a closer look at moderation vs. abstinence.  

What’s Moderation? 

This concept is about finding a balance where alcohol can be enjoyed in a controlled, responsible manner without negative impacts such as impaired judgment, health issues, or dependence. It’s a possible approach for people who don’t have a history of alcohol-related problems and who can comfortably maintain boundaries. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate alcohol use is two drinks or less in a day for men and one drink or less in a day for women. In this context, we provide verbatim how the CDC defines a drink: 

• 12 ounces of beer with 5 percent alcohol.

• 8 ounces of malt liquor with 7 percent alcohol.

• 5 ounces of wine with 12 percent alcohol.

• A shot or 1.5 ounces of liquor or distilled spirits (80-proof liquor).

• 80 proof means the liquor has 40 percent alcohol.

• Brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey are examples of types of liquor.

These guidelines aim to offer a general standard for what’s considered low-risk alcohol consumption. However, the effects vary based on factors such as age, weight, sex, health conditions, and tolerance. Moderation for one person is often quite different for another, depending on these variables.

What’s Abstinence? 

Abstinence from drinking refers to the conscious and complete avoidance of alcohol consumption. Although many people associate alcohol abstinence with addiction, it’s frequently a choice for various personal, health, cultural, or religious reasons, too. For example, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints don’t drink alcohol—or coffee or caffeinated tea—as part of the Mormon Health Code: Word of Wisdom. 

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) also references another fact: “Some medicines that you might never have suspected can react with alcohol, including many medications which can be purchased ‘over-the-counter’—that is, without a prescription. Even some herbal remedies can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol.” It offers this helpful list that, while not fully comprehensive, provides a starting point to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about harmful interactions and why avoiding alcohol is a wise choice. 

Along these lines, a lot of people don’t drink due to health issues that are exacerbated by drinking, such as liver disease, heart conditions, or certain medications that interact negatively with alcohol. Others may avoid alcohol to maintain overall physical and mental health.

The Importance of Abstinence in Addiction Recovery

Abstinence is the preferred medical method of maintaining health for people who have a genetic predisposition to alcohol use disorder (AUD)—research indicates that 40–60 percent of risk factors are biological, so many people choose to abstain because of their family background. Zero tolerance is also recommended for individuals with a history of personal AUD when even moderate consumption can pose significant risks. It’s also advised when someone has substance use disorder involving any other type of drug, as there’s a tendency to simply substitute one chemical for another. 

NIAAA explains in great detail how alcohol affects your brain and the stages of the addiction cycle. For people choosing recovery, alcohol abstinence is preferred to not only help the brain and body break chemical dependency but also to encourage a shift in behavior and emotional regulation. Even small amounts of alcohol can act as a trigger, making moderation an unrealistic or unsafe goal. Abstinence helps maintain stability and reduces the risk of relapse.

Learning to Heal the Whole Self at Seabrook

If you’re considering abstaining from alcohol, initiatives such as Sober October and Dry January provide you with a way to reset drinking habits, improve health, and reflect on the role of alcohol in your life. Maybe during this time, try some non-alcoholic alternative beverages and notice how you feel. It also gives you a way to reframe the conversation if you’re gathered with friends and family so the focus is less on the substance and more on community.

However, if you truly feel you might have alcohol dependency, take this test, then give us a call. Our four award-winning treatment centers in New Jersey are CARF-accredited facilities, an organization promoting best practices in behavioral health and evidence-based addiction recovery. Through our Seabrook Model, our board-certified professionals provide individualized treatment to help you move forward in life with confidence and strength. Call our admissions office today to learn more.