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Nonabstinant Alcohol Treatment

Based on the concept that not all problem drinkers who desire help are alcoholics, non abstinence treatment offers options for those with less severe drinking problems. Though controversial, these treatment programs offer the choice of controlled drinking or abstinence as goals rather than abstinence only.

  1. Candidates

    • Candidates for these programs are those who feel they abuse alcohol but are not alcohol dependent. According to Moderation Management, a leading alcohol behavioral change program, the United States has "four times as many problem drinkers as alcoholics."

    Benefits

    • Non abstinence programs offer help to those who don't feel the life-long label of "alcoholic" is appropriate to their condition. These programs also offer help to people before their drinking worsens to the point of dependence. For some, however, these programs are a stepping stone toward abstinence-only treatments.

    Duration of Treatment

    • Unlike 12-step abstinence-based programs which require life-long treatment, non abstinence programs are short and finite, lasting several weeks to several months.

    Methods

    • Though methods vary, they include behavioral counseling, support groups, alcohol education and step programs. Modern Management's program includes a 30-day period of abstinence followed by controlled drinking with set drinking limits.

    Controversy

    • Many alcohol intervention experts fear these programs delude alcoholics into believing they can control their drinking.

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