Abstinence vs. Moderation:

Having the Right to Make a Choice

AA and other 12-step programs are based on the disease model of addiction. They presume that people who are still using any problem substance cannot make progress in treatment. Compounding the problem further, the spouses and loved ones of the problem drinker or user have also been brainwashed to believe that moderate drinking is a quick step away from a full-blown binge. This brainwashing creates a culture of fear that can worsen the very situation it is trying to eliminate and causes people not to enter into treatment. I help you learn to live with your habits and elixirs more successfully.

On the contrary, that has not been my personal experience, nor is it supported by actual research. It is my experience that people don't develop addictions and negative behaviors overnight. It is a gradual process. That's why it is often best to help my clients reduce their negative habits gradually, too. This gradual approach to managing addictions focuses on improving the quality of life by removing many of the problems caused by out-of-control drinking and drugging. I call this approach "Harm Reduction."

Getting Control of Addictions is not a simple On/Off switch.

It is more like a dimmer switch on a light. Over time, gradual changes are easier to adjust to, physically and emotionally, until the behavior is not an addiction anymore, but moves to a less harmful level where quality of life and relationships have improved.

The traditional disease model of downward progression of the addiction is not inevitable for everyone or every situation. The progression can be reversed, slowed down or minimized without complete abstinence. Just because people may be drinking or drugging doesn't mean they aren't thinking and trying to do better.

In my Harm Reduction Coaching sessions, I help you learn to live with your habits and elixirs more successfully. I work with you to slowly reduce your usage, thereby reducing the harmful consequences. I don't worry about you having to stop 100%. I can help motivated clients make good progress and improve the quality of their life even if they are still using their favorite drug or alcoholic beverage or actively involved in other excessive, harmful behaviors.

Next Step:

Is harm reduction (moderation) the right choice for you? Find out when you schedule a private and confidential Bridging Session (Bridging Session) with Dr. Kern.

Responsible Drinking
by Frederick Rotgers, Marc F. Kern, Rudy Hoeltzel
Order Now!

"This revolutionary workbook by the leading voices of the Harm Reduction treatment approach is based on extensive scientific research that supports moderation as a resolution for drinking problems."