Studies have shown that 28% of the population has an alcohol use disorder. However, only 6% of that population meets the criteria in which they would have to give up alcohol completely. Remarkably, 90% of treatment facilities have programs that make their patients abstain from alcohol, ignoring that perhaps alcohol moderation is the key to recovery. At Insight into Action, we recognize that each person is different. So, our patients are evaluated to determine which course of action best suits them.
Importance of Moderation
At Insight into Action, we recognize the importance of moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption. Ultimately, this is what sets us apart from other alcohol addiction treatment facilities and programs.
Unfortunately, there is a negative connotation when people think about quitting drinking. Typically, people automatically make negative assumptions. However, at Insight into Action, we’ve found that more commonly, people just need to understand drinking in moderation. Most treatment facilities are designed if all drinkers need to quit drinking entirely. However, it is likely that learning about and practicing drinking in moderation may be a better option.
What Is a Moderate Amount of Alcohol?
The medically accepted definition of moderate alcohol is up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. One drink of beer is 12 fluid ounces. It is five fluid ounces for wine, and for 80 proof distilled spirits, it’s 1.5 fluid ounces. However, the definition of moderation tends to vary from person to person.
Risks of Excessive Drinking
The risks of excessive drinking are commonly emphasized without considering that moderation could be a viable option for safely consuming alcohol. Some serious health problems that can arise from excessive drinking, such as:
- Cancer (breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver)
- Pancreatitis
- Sudden death if you already have cardiovascular disease
- Alcohol cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Suicide
- Accidental serious injury or death
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Notably, there are numerous studies that show drinking in moderation can have health benefits.
Health Benefits of Drinking in Moderation
Alcohol in Moderation Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Interestingly enough, some studies suggest that alcohol consumption in moderation has health benefits. One of the reported benefits of drinking in moderation is reducing the risk of developing and dying of heart disease. This finding applies to people who don’t have heart disease and people who have a high risk of having a heart attack.
Next, it can reduce your risk of ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot. In an ischemic stroke, the arteries to your brain become narrowed or blocked. Concerningly, this causes severely reduced blood flow. However, studies show that alcohol in moderation can prevent small blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes.
Reduced Risk of Diabetes from Consuming Alcohol in Moderation
Lastly, studies show that drinking in moderation reduces the risk of diabetes. Specifically, there is a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes. One of the findings indicates that alcohol consumption in moderation is better insulin sensitivity.
Quit Drinking: How Insight into Action Can Help Understand Moderation
Cyndi Turner and Craig James, Founders of Insight into Action Therapy, are highly trained clinicians. They have trained worldwide on Alcohol Moderation. Ultimately, the goal is to determine what course of action is best for our patients and alcohol. If we determine the individual can continue drinking, we want to give you the tools you need to start an Alcohol Moderation Plan.
If an Alcohol Moderation Plan sounds like something you or a loved one needs, please call Insight into Action 703.935.8544. One of our staff members will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
