Alcohol is often considered socially acceptable. In fact, many people in society encourage others to drink, especially during parties and celebrations. For a person in alcohol recovery, this can be a tough situation to navigate.
That’s why many people make attempts at drinking moderately when experiencing a dependence or addiction issue. While it’s possible for people without these issues to consume alcohol moderately, it’s not possible for people addicted to the substance. Here are a few key points to consider if you’re struggling with your sobriety.
What Moderate Drinking Means
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines moderate drinking as two drinks or less per day for men, and one drink or less per day for women. This is the maximum amount a person can drink while also keeping the health risks related to alcohol consumption manageable. However, people are encouraged to drink as little as possible for optimum health and wellness.
Excessive drinking, often referred to as binge drinking, involves five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women over the course of two hours or so. Binge drinking can cause a range of poor effects, including illness, legal issues, and impulsive behaviors.
Why People with Alcohol Issues Can’t Drink Moderately
A person who doesn’t have an addiction or dependence issue can look at their alcohol consumption rationally and make rational decisions about how much they consume. It’s not possible for people with addiction issues to make the same decisions, because they can’t approach the issue from a rational perspective. This has much to do with how addictive substances affect the brain and body.
Alcohol consumption induces a pleasurable sensation within the brain, which causes a person to drink again and again to receive the same sensation. Continued consumption can change how the brain actually functions, to the point where a person may need alcohol to stave off uncomfortable effects. Eventually, the person will begin to crave the substance, which can be very hard to ignore. Their tolerance will also get higher, which means they must consume more alcohol just to feel the same.
What You Can Do About Alcohol Addiction
When seeking support for a sober lifestyle in Albuquerque, Duke City Recovery Toolbox is proud to lend a hand. Our team of alcohol abuse specialists provide essential services to help you break the cycle of addiction. We also provide additional services, including peer support and counseling to give you the tools you need to navigate recovery.
Please call 505-224-9777 to begin our intake process. You can also contact us for more information on the help we provide.
