There is some evidence that abstinence is an easier goal for most older, married persons and that moderation is easier for most younger, single people. But, what may be easier is just one factor and not by itself grounds for a decision. There is no authority, other than a physician pointing to specific disease conditions such as diabetes and liver problems, who can tell someone else whether they must abstain altogether rather than moderate. Someone who belongs to a church which uses wine in Communion services won't want to, and doesn't need to be, absolutely abstinent. Other than the exigencies of health and religion, the most critical factor in choosing a goal is what a person believes he can do and what he wants to do.

Beginning moderate drinking after long term abstinence has many pitfalls and is not recommended. The only serious problem with abstinence as a goal is its difficulty for most people. If someone is already successful, why tamper with success? An advantage of the goal of moderation is that the option is always open to abstain if it is later decided to be easier, which for some people it is. Perhaps the best way to begin moderation, however, is by abstaining for two weeks* or so. The benefits are two fold.

First, tolerance decreases and a relatively small amount of alcohol will give an appreciably greater effect. Second, by paying careful attention to oneself, to the feelings and thoughts that arise while abstaining, the role of the excessive drinking comes more clearly into focus.

For example, a person who feels extremely lonely when he abstains will be able to focus his attention on finding better ways of interacting with