Professional Presentations & Events

March 24, 2022

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Alabama School of Alcohol and other Drug Studies
Conference Location Bryant Conference Center
240 Paul W. Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487

Alabama School of Alcohol and Other Drug Studies

The COVID-19 Pandemic has contributed to drastic increases in drinking, leading unprecedented numbers of people seeking treatment with the abstinence model not always being the right kind of help. Pre-pandemic, over 90 million people in the United States struggled with alcohol use but were not physically dependent. Most programs are designed for the severe alcohol user, encompassing about 17 million people, leaving the majority experiencing problems from alcohol without appropriate services. The traditional recommendation for drinkers experiencing problems remains admitting that they are “alcoholics” who must quit drinking forever, attending 12-step meetings, and admitting powerlessness. With the numbers of people suffering from alcohol use disorders likely to continue growing and the DSM-5 now viewing substance use disorders on a spectrum, behavioral healthcare providers need to have resources that are appropriate for all levels of alcohol use. There is over 50 years of research that supports the harm reduction strategy of alcohol moderation as an effective treatment modality. Upon completion, attendees will be able to: describe why harm reduction is an effective treatment option for most alcohol users, predict who is a candidate for alcohol moderation using the Alcohol Moderation Assessment, develop and monitor an Alcohol Moderation Plan, and utilize alcohol moderation tools. Participants will walk away with tangible tools and experience a paradigm shift in how we treat people with drug and alcohol problems.