There are two opposing ideas regarding whether abstinence or controlled drinking should be the goal of recovery. Controlled drinking means that alcoholics are given separate forms of therapeutic treatments to eventually begin drinking in moderation as long as their intake does not result in signs of dependence, intoxication, legal, or health problems (Luty, 2006). This completely goes against the philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous, who maintain that abstinence is the only way for alcoholics to recover, and if they are able to eventually drink in moderation then they were only alcohol abusers, not alcoholics. According to Luty (2006), research suggests that:
"controlled drinking may be an option for young, socially stable drinkers with short, less severe drinking histories (e.g. alcohol consumption of less than 4 units per day with normal liver function tests). An individual’s belief that controlled drinking is an achievable goal is also a good prognostic factor. Most authors agree that controlled drinking should not be recommended for people with heavy dependence or those with protracted alcohol problems."
Luty (2006) mentions one study 70 individuals were divided into two groups, one with the goal of abstinence and the other with a goal of controlled drinking. Apparently there were very little differences in the success rates of either group; consumption was reduced to 51 to 13 drinks per week and 40–50% of participants had relapsed at 6 months, and at 2 years both groups had not shown a significant difference in rates of drinking and relapse.
According to Luty (2006), it appears that regardless of the counselor's recommended goal (abstinence or controlled drinking), the client decides for themselves which path they will follow. Since different techniques are used to treat clients with each of these goals, and the initial focus of this blog will be on abstinence as the desired outcome.
Luty, J. 2006. What works in alcohol use disorders? Retrieved from: http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/12/1/13.full.pdf.
"controlled drinking may be an option for young, socially stable drinkers with short, less severe drinking histories (e.g. alcohol consumption of less than 4 units per day with normal liver function tests). An individual’s belief that controlled drinking is an achievable goal is also a good prognostic factor. Most authors agree that controlled drinking should not be recommended for people with heavy dependence or those with protracted alcohol problems."
Luty (2006) mentions one study 70 individuals were divided into two groups, one with the goal of abstinence and the other with a goal of controlled drinking. Apparently there were very little differences in the success rates of either group; consumption was reduced to 51 to 13 drinks per week and 40–50% of participants had relapsed at 6 months, and at 2 years both groups had not shown a significant difference in rates of drinking and relapse.
According to Luty (2006), it appears that regardless of the counselor's recommended goal (abstinence or controlled drinking), the client decides for themselves which path they will follow. Since different techniques are used to treat clients with each of these goals, and the initial focus of this blog will be on abstinence as the desired outcome.
Luty, J. 2006. What works in alcohol use disorders? Retrieved from: http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/12/1/13.full.pdf.
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