Should I Limit my Alcohol Consumption or Stop Drinking Entirely?

Some people who have had some problems with their drinking might be asking themselves: should I stop drinking entirely, or is there a possibility that I can control it?

First of all, if you find that you can control your drinking then this is good. Chances are that you’re not a serious alcoholic if you can limit your drinking and find a way to have fun with it and not lose control anymore. As for the rest of us alcohoilcs, our alcoholism exists because we can’t control how much we drink - that’s the whole point.So when it comes down to this, many alcoholics will realize that it is time to consider the idea of quitting for good.

Now this can be deceptive because most addicts and alcoholics actually have the ability to exercise some control for a short time and hold things together. Some drunks can actually control their alcohol consumption for many weeks or even for over a year in some cases. However, note the following two things: One, they will not enjoy the drinking while they are “controlling” it, and will do so only through gritted teeth while being terribly discontent. And for two, no person suffering from alcoholism will stay under control forever; at some point they will lose control and drink more then they planned on.When you get right down to it, the best course for the struggling alcoholic is to stop drinking.

So basically, you can attempt moderation in your drinking and if you find success with it then that is good for you. But be straight with yourself and if you happen to lose control and find yourself consuming way more than you had planned on then you should realize this fact and admit to your problem. Stating that you have full control (but only when you feel like it) is most likely denial on your part and you should recognize that most non-alcoholics do not have to really try at all to limit their drinking. Another way to look at it would be to say that normal drinkers don’t have to try hard to control it; this comes easily for them. If you do, then this might be a serious red flag for you.