WHAT IS MODERATE ANYWAY

[DeeBee]

I have only been modding for the last 8 weeks and I definetly haven't felt any "buzz" whilst doing it. For me that's the catch 22. Once I get on a buzz it's all down hill for me.

My aim in the long run is to be a social drinker - as in i would like to be able to say yes to a glass of wine if I would like one but I don't want to crave one nor do I want to crave the buzz.... Don't know if I have answered your question but for me the "buzz" is what I am staying away from!!!

P.S. I posted this on another thread a little while ago - I have since gone onto the uk website an checked the number of units i drink ... HORROR of HORROR!! I have since bought myself a smaller wine glass and found a wine with a even lower AL content to stay within the recommended daily limit of 2.3 units per day but my ULTIMATE AIM is to be a social drinker .... that is if we go out for dinner or we are at a function to have a glass or two.

That is MY definition of moderate.

[Red]

Hey Chili!
When I first admitted that I had a problem I joined MYO and quit all together for around 6 months. After the constant daily cravings subsided some, I decided to test the waters a little bit. Social situations were - and still are the worst for me. I never quite know how to just be myself. So, I try to not put myself in social "party" situations. Although, when it happens I try to plan ahead and make sure I have options whether they are N/A or not. Mostly all I drink is non-alcoholic beer. I know I know...still has some alcohol in it. But, that is my crutch. I think maybe because all the "routine" is still involved. I still go to the same liquor store to buy it and it tastes like beer. So, I "fool" my body and brain into thinking we're gonna get drunk. lol Sounds funny...I know... But so far, it's working for me and maybe it could work for you too!!

Red

[misskris76]

if i feel that my drinking is causing unmanageability in my life on any level than i think i am drinking too much. if i am thinking about when i can drink whilst doing other things, that's unmanageable as well. i mean, i like drinking, i like being intoxicated, but i really have to watch it and mod and only get more than a little buzzed on certain 'planned' occasions with a designated driver, next day off, etc. and such or i end up getting into trouble. for me, successful modding is being in control and for those of us predisposed to alcoholism, it is hard to do, and unfotunately for some, impossible. i mean, read the book, do the mwo system to the letter, take the topamax, that's what i did, and it's been working for me, but i promised myself that if i didn't, i would go back to AA and quit.

[Sunbeam]

I have read through this thread many times. For me, moderation is whatever low level I can stay at, without increasing. I tried to stay at 3-4 glasses per week, and could not. Now I'm trying 2-3 glasses max on just day per week. I'm not using meds nor supplements, so I expect it will be harder for me. Quitting is easier than moderating for me, over the long term....

[madeline]

I like to think as RJ put it in the book. I wish to get to a point where I think AL like I think about butter. I don't rush home to eat butter, I don't think about having extra butter on my days off, but maybe on vacation.

I'm not there yet, but clearly on the path. Glad to see this thread is going and hope that it is helpful to many people.

[Gyco]

hi chil,moderation,thats a good question,is moderation going on line every day,drinkin 10 beers,cutting the lawn 4 times a week and it burns,having sex 5 times a day,yikes wouldn t tht be interseting,had to thro tht in,im starting to beleive its when you no to say no,ive had enuff last butr not least its when you no youve had enuff and can still act normal,i guess ,i am still workin on it myfreind,thts why im still here listenin to all of you,its peace within yourself and it will take time ,i hope this helps gyco

[Gyco]

gees i really messed tht up and im not drunk hahaha

[Saint Jude]

I don't think moderating is that different from abstaining...as far as the mind set goes...

It's something you decide for yourself, and DO IT.

Just depends what your goals are.

[Sunbeam]

The concept of continuum is one of my favorites, helps me understand concepts better. One end of the continuum of moderation and abstinence would include higher quantities and frequency, and the other end would be never touching a drop of alcohol. I think there are people who call themselves abstainers who have an occasional drink, and there are people who call themselves moderators wo drink quantities way less than they used to. Each of those, and all in-between, is finding their own way out by meeting their own goals.

[Ask For Help]

Thanks Sunbeam; I like using the continuum concept.

G