The concept of controlled drinking is one that is frequently talked about in the press and people want to but into. 
Every two or three years it seems there is “promising research” about some sort of new theory or therapy that will allow people to drink without worries of addiction. Addicts can once again enjoy using without worries.
The idea of controlled drinking is an old one. Back in the 1930′s when the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous was written they refer to the concept, and I paraphrase, “The great delusion of every alcoholic is that one day he can drink again like a gentleman”. The word delusion simply means believing in something that is not true. The reason I do not believe in controlled drinking is that in my practice, I have seen that the only sure-fire method 100% guaranteed way to avoid problems with drugs alcohol is bynot using them. I cannot see how you can argue that.
There has been some research on controlled drinking that has been used to support that position. Unfortunately, much of it is flawed in method and in reporting. Results are often distorted by the popular press; I mean come on what a great story ‘research proves you can continue your drug and alcohol use.’ One study the press jumped on had only seven subjects. The fact of the matter is that long-term studies do not support the position of control drinking. It is important to remember we are talking about the realms of addiction and dependency, a person who does meet that criteria may in fact be quite capable of control drinking.
However if you have crossed the line into the Addiction and chemical dependence is not possible to go back to control use. Medical evidence now supports changes made at the neuron level in the brain make this impossible.
One phenomenon that is very sexy and alluring about control drinking is the addict who has quit for a certain amount of time just on their word and will power. The reasoning is that if I can quit for a week, I do not have a problem. Then having proved to themselves they do not have a problem, resume use and are quickly back to the levels they were at to begin with. I call this escape hatch thinking. Someone who was promised themselves that they can quit for a limited time are counting down to the day that that they can resume drinking or using.
An old saying that I have heard and that drives me crazy is that “If you’re not ready to quit, go try some control drinking then come back”. I hate that. To me as an Addiction Therapist, that would be like a doctor in the emergency room treating a suicide attempt patient who just broke their arm by saying go jump off a 20 floor building, maybe this time you will get it right.
In my mind, no matter how you slice it, controlled drinking is an exercise in futility. If you want to stop problems with drug sand alcohol, stop using drugs and alcohol.
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I was an alcoholic for 12 years and i was powerless over it and was unable to manage my life.After 12 years now i am sober.
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