Psychology Today | 18.01.2026 00:19
Can heavy drinkers moderate their drinking? The most straightforward answer is that some can, some cannot, and others simply do not yet know. What matters most is not forcing a premature conclusion but instead creating therapeutic pathways that invite people into meaningful change rather than excluding them at the door. A flexible, individualized approach that supports incremental progress does not weaken or dilute treatment; it strengthens it by increasing engagement, honesty, and staying power. By starting where people are, we give them the greatest opportunity to move forward, whether that journey ultimately leads to moderation, harm reduction, abstinence, or a clearer and more compassionate understanding of themselves that enhances the likelihood of future attempts at positive change.
