Responsible Drinking: A Moderation Management Approach for Problem Drinkers (Paperback)

~ (Author), Marc F. Kern (Author), Rudy Hoeltzel (Author) "Lucy, a thirty-three-year-old biotechnology company employee, started drinking regularly at fifteen..." (more)
Key Phrases: achieving moderation, nondrinking activities, moderation plan, Moderation Management, Alcoholics Anonymous, Recommended Reading (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This revolutionary workbook by the leading voices of the Moderation Management treatment approach is based on the extensive scientific literature that supprts moderation as a resolution for drinking problems. It uses research-based techniques to help readers discover whether they are a problem drinker or an alchoholic. The former are then helped to make an informed decision about whether to pursue moderation over abstinence, and go on to define goals specific to their needs, examine the negative effects of their alchohol use, identify their own triggers, and learn to take control of their behavior.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572242949
• ISBN-13: 978-1572242944
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,874 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the time to do these exercises, May 11, 2005

By	Jessica Lux (Rosamond, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I found Moderation Management through their website (moderation.org), which is where I learned about this book. I highly reccomend MM for anyone who is a little concerned about their drinking, but doesn't think they need to go to AA. This book was eye-opening for me. If you are concerned, why not give MM a shot and see if doing 30 days of abstinence (the first step of MM) does anything for you? It might teach you how to moderate your drinking, it might teach you that you need to abstain forever in an abstinence-based program like AA, or it might just open your eyes and make you re-evaluate alcohol's place in your life.

The book has easy-to-digest anecdotes and exercises. I left my copy in the living room and did a chapter at a time over a week. I would fill in the exercises, but often, reading this book would spurn more thoughts and reflections about my life that I would record in a blank journal. This was a great companion for the 30-days of trial abstinence that Moderation Management advocates. It really made me think critically about my life. The experience has been excellent for me and I encourage others who are questioning to try it for themselves.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally answers the question: What is responsible drinking?, October 1, 2005

By	An Average Joe - See all my reviews

How many people actually know what a standard drink is? Or, how much alcohol is safe to consume? Or what acceptable drinking behavior is? Very few. In our neo-puritan, abstinence-only society, there are few guidelines for sensible, pleasurable indulgence.

Studies on abstinence-only sex education prove it a failure. Similarly, limited studies on abstinence-only treatment for drinking problems show it less effective than offering choice. Perhaps the message that one is "powerless over alcohol" undermines all efforts to exercise any form of reponsibility vis a vis drinking. It certainly provides a convenient excuse.

If you have questions about drinking, but don't want alarmist dogma; if you believe human beings are capable of making responsible choices; buy this book!

41 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Life Saver!!, March 14, 2005

By	Kenneth L. Anderson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is based entirely on sound scientific research by the Sobells and many others, and has assuredly saved and improved many lives, including my own.

Nothing here about "Revealed truths" from some vague "Higher Power," just firmly established scientific facts and the techniques needed to reduce or eliminate one's consumption of alcohol.

There is no need to substitute an addiction to a religious cult like AA for an addiction to alcohol.

This book shows that people can get up and get on with their lives.