People who make the decision to moderate their substance usage, but then continue to use substances at a rate that is hurting them or others, have actually decided to behave in a manner that is based on their old values. If this is the behavior pattern that you choose, it's obvious that you still want to live an instant gratification lifestyle. That's OK. But, you must be willing to live with the sometimes harsh consequences of such a plan. There is a law of diminishing returns at work and the price paid for substance induced euphoria may become too great alcohol and drug evaluation.
Abstinence may be a temporary or even permanent option that could save your life. After a period of abstinence-based sobriety you may desire moderation again. After a good amount of sobriety, your perception of life and your renewed sense of will power and confidence may be sufficient that you can have a beer or a glass of wine again. Just make sure you have given yourself enough time away from alcohol and drugs to clearly see the options you have available. I would recommend several months or years of abstinence, and a concerted effort to reevaluate your life in general, before you return to reduce alcohol and/or drug use. This will provide you the runway to positively challenge yourself in all the other areas of your life, such as relationships, career, family, and financial.
Learning that you do have power and that you have control over the choices you make can be liberating and result in dramatic improvements in your life. In some cases, however, a person can succeed with his or her plan of moderation, but then later on find that moderation is not enough for total satisfaction. Once again, that person will need to update their plans with a new set of goals. He or she may decide to moderate their use further or maybe abstain permanently. The options are limitless. The two most important aspects of setting moderation goals are being accurate about what it is you want to achieve and then achieving the goals you have set. Your goals are attainable alcohol and drug evaluation!
Everyone can be whatever he or she wants to be, but sometimes it takes more help to attain your objectives than you originally thought. That is why you might want to self-evaluate how attainable your goals are, and what level of help you believe you will need to meet your moderation or abstinence objectives. Do you need to change your initial goals? Do you need to leave the goals the same and try again? Do you desire to abstain for good? What have you learned? As you finish this process over a period of weeks or even months, we wish you well with your new goals. If you find yourself attempting these goals, but unable to keep the commitments you have made, evaluate and re-evaluate your goals and try again. If you do not meet the updated goals, it is time to accept the truth, and the truth is; choosing to use substances heavily, after multiple failed attempts at moderation, is an indication that you still desire to use these substances in this manner. But, at least now you know that is your true desire. That is the value of written goals; they reveal the truth about your wishes and abilities.
The following articles will continue on this theme. Don't stop now. The following articles illustrate in detail ways to use greater personal accountability and greater control over one's life, no matter what that life brings you. Ultimately, you have control over yourself, and over how you react to life changes that are out of your control alcohol and drug evaluation.
