[Ask For Help]

You asked: has anyone else experienced trying to do 30 days and not being able to accomplish it and then trying to moderate instead? if so were you successful at moderating?

I am a person who did not complete 30 days AF and am in my 7th month of successful moderating. I read the book and the suggestion to do 30 days AF: however it didn't fit with my goals: I was more interested in learning how to practice moderation than doing 30 days AF.

I found the first month I needed to work hard to successfully "break the daily habit". It took new strategies(as River describes above) as well as paying attention to my triggers and lots of support from here (followed the Montyhy ABS threads) . I also had the help of a counselor (who specializes in addictions) who knew the 30 day program philosophy, but supported me in my goal to moderate. I started Topo and the supps in month 2, cut back on the supps after a couple of months, and am just now trying mods without the Topo. (If I need it I will restart.)

I found it important to set clear mods goals, what would success be? (my goal is drinking 1- 2 drinks no more than 3 days/week, for a total of 6 drinks/week.) I use drinktracker to hold myself accountable. I have also lost 22 pounds(with a goal of losing 12 more) and feel terrific and proud of myself.

There are many ways out: keep trying. PM me if you like.
AFH