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Why Is Abstinence From Alcohol the Best Choice? What Are Some Other Options?

Most people who enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a beer consider themselves social drinkers, but are they? How do you know if the times you get drunk or black out are just you overdoing it or because you have an alcohol abuse problem? Why is abstinence from alcohol the best choice if you almost always drink to the point of intoxication?

5 Minute Read | Published Oct 02 2023 | Updated Feb 27 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Ashley Bayliss
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Ashley Bayliss
Reviewed by

Why Is Abstinence From Alcohol The Best Choice? Can You Be A Part-Time Drinker?

Why Is Abstinence From Alcohol The Best Choice?

Babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome, families ripped apart, children deprived of parents, lost employment, lives lost to drunk drivers, and other societal problems are the direct result of alcohol abuse. Why is abstinence from alcohol the best choice? Ask the families who have buried loved ones killed by drunk drivers, the parents of a child killed in a spouse’s drunken rage, or the grandparent’s of a baby left in a hot car while his or her parents were drinking in a bar. The argument that “moderation management” is a better option than abstinence is debunked by hundreds of thousands of victims of alcohol abuse. The 12-step program created by Alcoholics Anonymous espouses abstinence and has seen successful changes in the lives of their members who follow the plan. Those who advocate “moderation management” believe people can learn how to control the amount of alcohol they consume, and while this may be true for people who are occasional heavy drinkers, it will not be true for an alcoholic. The answer to the question, “Why is abstinence from alcohol the best choice?” is that abstinence saves lives.

Alcohol Abstinence

Alcohol abstinence has made it possible for many to recover their lives and heal their bodies and minds from the ravages of alcohol. You may have wondered if your intake of alcohol is indicative of crossing the line from social drinking to abuse. If you have even wondered, it indicates there is a problem. If you use alcohol to feel better after a bad day at work, an argument with your spouse, or to deal with any stress in your life, you are in dangerous territory. It’s true that not every person who abuses alcohol from time-to-time is going to become an alcoholic, but can you afford to take the risk? Alcoholism is a gradual intruder in the lives of some people as they slowly build up a tolerance, but for other people it occurs rapidly after a stressful change in life. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a serious illness or injury can be the catalyst to full-blown alcoholism. Alcohol abstinence is the only safe way to protect the body and mind from the terrible injuries drinking can cause. The practice of “moderation management” can only delay the inevitable for a short time if the person is an alcoholic.

Alcoholism Treatment

If alcohol has interfered in your life, relationships, employment, or income, you need to talk to someone about alcoholism treatment. Have you ever blacked out, or become aggressive when drinking? Don’t wait another day to get help. Contact Better Addiction Care (BAC) at (800) 429-7690 and speak to an addiction counselor. The service is free, and a counselor will help you determine your need for care and the best treatment facility to provide an individualized care program. Each person is different, and the risk factors for alcoholism can vary. BAC will connect you to alcoholism treatment that provides the necessary resources to take you through detox and down the path to recovery.

Board-certified doctors, psychiatrists, and addiction specialists are all part of an excellent treatment program, and Better Addiction Care will help you select the best facility available.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get help right away. Make a phone call that will connect you to a professional drug treatment center. The call you make may save your life or the life of someone you love. Call us today at (800) 429-7690.

Resources

bullet Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. (2001).
"Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services."
Retrieved on February 20, 2018
bullet Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2004).
"Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US)."
Retrieved on February 20, 2018
bullet Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2017).
"Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction in Opioid Treatment Programs. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US)."
Retrieved on February 20, 2018
bullet Klimas, J., Tobin, H., Field, C. A., O’Gorman, C. S., Glynn, L. G., Keenan, E., … & Cullen, W. (2013).
"Psychosocial interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in concurrent problem alcohol and illicit drug users. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6), CD009269."
Retrieved on February 20, 2018
bullet National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021).
"Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help."
Retrieved on February 20, 2018
bullet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). (2015).
"Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to the Use of DSM-5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US)."
Retrieved on February 20, 2018
bullet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). (2019).
"The Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): 2007-2017. National Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US)."
Retrieved on February 20, 2018
bullet Witkiewitz, K., & Marlatt, G. A. (2004)
"Relapse prevention for alcohol and drug problems: That was Zen, this is Tao. American Psychologist, 59(4), 224-235."
Retrieved on February 20, 2018
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