There's been a lot of media coverage about moderate drinking as a goal of change for people with alcohol problems. So what's all this talk about moderate drinking?

First, we need to define what is meant by moderate drinking.

There is a consensus in the scientific community about what defines "moderate drinking." It's no more than 2 or 3 standard drinks per drinking episode, no more than 9 drinks per week for women and 12-14 for men. Also, moderate drinking means limiting how fast you drink and, as a result, keeping your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below .045-.055 (.10 is the DWI limit in most states).

A standard drink is the equivalent of a 12 oz beer with 5% alcohol (average for most U.S. beers). A 5 oz. glass of wine (12.5% alcohol) and 1.5 oz. of 80 proof liquor are also 1 standard drink each.

This definition of moderate drinking prevents you from getting drunk. But then moderate drinkers don't get drunk. Now if your idea of moderate drinking is a 6 pack instead of a 12 pack, this would suggest that you drink with some pretty heavy drinkers. Drinking a 6 pack of beer is heavy drinking, period.

Some heavy drinkers who've experienced problems from their drinking can learn how to moderate their drinking and maintain moderate drinking for years at a time. Others cannot.

So who's more likely to be successful at moderation?

Well, women tend to be more successful than men. Drinkers with a shorter history of problems and less severe problems also tend to be more successful with cutting back and maintaining it. Drinkers who believe that alcoholism is a bad habit rather than a disease tend to do better with moderation.

If you're thinking about moderate drinking for yourself, there are a few things to think about.

• First, if you've had significant alcohol-related problems and are currently not drinking, trying moderate drinking may put you at risk again for alcohol-related problems.
• Second, if you're currently drinking more than the guidelines of moderation, you will reduce your risk for problems by cutting back.
• And third, there are a number of online resources you could use if you'd like some guidance and/or support in your efforts. Please see our resource department for links to Moderation Management.

11/03/00

Reid K. Hester, Ph.D.
Director, Research Division
Behavior Therapy Associates
3810 Osuna Rd NE Suite 1
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505.345.6100 ph
505.342.2454 fax
Behavioral Self-control Program for Windows