Controlling Your Drinking: Tools To Make Moderation Work For You

Description

Millions of people would like to cut down on their drinking without giving it up altogether and this encouraging book has helped many make that goal a reality. Distinguished clinician-researchers William R. Miller and Ricardo F. Munoz have spent more than 40 years studying whether moderation works, who it works (and doesn't work) for, and how to achieve it. Armed with authoritative facts about "how much is too much," readers can set realistic, customized moderation goals. Loads of practical strategies, stories, and planning tips are included. Readers learn new ways to enjoy social events, defuse tension and stress, and cope with difficult emotions with or without a glass in hand. Updated with the latest scientific data, the second edition is designed to be even more interactive, and features a new chapter on mindfulness.

Reviews

"Now in its second edition, this book has only gotten better. By helping readers overcome alcohol problems on their own, this book fills an enormous need, and is consistent with the scientific evidence that self-change is a common pathway to recovery. A welcome alternative in a field where those with concerns about their alcohol use are given few options." - Linda Carter Sobell, PhD, ABPP, and Mark B. Sobell, PhD, ABPP, Nova Southeastern University, USA "Drs. Miller and Munoz provide an easy-to-follow approach for people who are worried they may be drinking too much. The tools presented here for achieving moderate drinking are supported by a wealth of evidence; examples sprinkled throughout the book illustrate how to accomplish each goal of the program. Anyone who has struggled with the need to cut down will benefit from reading this book and following its simple, honest advice." - Katie Witkiewitz, PhD, University of New Mexico, USA "In a nonjudgmental way, this book helps you scope out your issues with alcohol and decide what to do, putting the ball in your court instead of being prescriptive. It is filled with useful and practical strategies that you can pick and choose from to meet your own needs." - Anne M. Fletcher, author of Inside Rehab and Sober for Good

Author description

William R. Miller, PhD, is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico. He has published over 400 scientific articles and chapters and more than 40 books, including the groundbreaking work for professionals "Motivational Interviewing." Fundamentally interested in the psychology of change, Dr. Miller has focused particularly on developing and testing more effective treatments for people with alcohol and drug problems. The Institute for Scientific Information lists him as one of the world's most cited scientists.
Ricardo F. Munoz, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University and Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of California, San Francisco. His major areas of expertise include addictive behavior, the prevention and treatment of depression, and how depression affects substance use. He has published over 100 scientific articles and chapters and several books, including "Control Your Depression" and "The Prevention of Depression."

Table of contents

Part I: Introduction. Thinking about Drinking. Why Change? Is Moderation for You? Part II: When You Drink. Getting Started. Keeping Track. Taking Charge. Slowing Down. Refusing Drinks. Affirming Your Progress. Moving Along. Part III: Before You Drink. Discovering your Triggers. Places. People. Days and Times. Feelings. Other Triggers. Summary: Before You Drink. Part IV: Instead of Drinking. Relaxing. Self-Talk. Pleasant Activities without Alcohol. Coping with Negative Moods and Depression. Self-Concept. Sleeping Well. Mindfulness. Managing Anxiety and Fear. Being Assertive. Relating to Others. Living "As If". Part V: How Are You Doing? If Moderation Isn't Working for You. Sources of Help. Appendix A. The Wrath of Grapes: Reasons for Concern. Appendix B: An Inventory of Alcohol-Related Problems. Appendix C: Tables for Estimating Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Going Further: Recommended Resources.