On this blog, when I say moderation, I think about moderate drinking. What is moderate drinking? I like the following simple definition: moderate drinker "considers an occasional drink to be a small, though enjoyable, part of life". There are other criteria mentioned on the MM site (see below) that I like. A moderator "usually does not exceed the .055% BAC moderate drinking limit". This seems to be a limit above which we start loosing "control", i.e. our judgment gets impaired. A moderate drinker typically feels when they approach this limit. I feel very clearly that I am about to start loosing full control over my thoughts, the feeling is border-uncomfortable, and I feel the need to stop or pause drinking. Furthermore, a moderate drinker feels comfortable with their use of alcohol (never drinks secretly and does not spend a lot of time thinking about drinking or planning to drink). Finally, a moderator "has hobbies, interests, and other ways to relax and enjoy life that do not involve alcohol".
In addition to these criteria, different sources give different guidelines for moderate drinking. For example: no more than 4 drinks for men (3 for women) per day, no more than 4 drinking days per week, and no more than 14 drinks for men (9 for women) per week. Standard drink: one 33cl beer (5% alcohol), one 1.5dl glass wine (12% alcohol), or 4.5cl of liquor (40% alcohol). These are of course guidelines, but if one finds themselves drinking regularly above these, they might be at risk of harmful drinking.

I believe that with some practice and support, moderation is an attainable goal. According to some research, not for everyone, you can read more about it on the MM website. On this blog, I will share some of my experiences with moderation.

What is Moderation Management (often referred to on the website by MM)? Moderation Management (MM) is a behavioral change program and national (US) support group network for people concerned about their drinking and who desire to make positive lifestyle changes. MM empowers individuals to accept personal responsibility for choosing and maintaining their own path, whether moderation or abstinence. MM promotes early self-recognition of risky drinking behavior, when moderate drinking is a more easily achievable goal. More information on http://www.moderation.org/.