What if I Don't Consider Myself an Alcoholic but Want to Drink Less?

By: Holly Wilson

If you're searching for ways to moderate your drinking by drinking less, you're likely sensing that alcohol isn't serving your best interests anymore. As someone who spent a year attempting to master the art of moderation, I understand the appeal of finding that perfect balance. Through my own journey, connecting with others in recovery, and hearing countless stories from the sober community, I've discovered an important truth: attempting to drink less through moderation often becomes more challenging and mentally exhausting than simply taking a break from alcohol completely.

As Christians, we're called to examine what controls our lives besides God. Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." This wisdom applies perfectly to our relationship with alcohol.

The Alcohol Moderation Paradox

Let me share my personal story that might sound familiar. Like many professionals, I approached my drinking concerns methodically, creating what seemed like a perfectly reasonable plan that would enable me to drink less: I would allow myself two glasses of wine, but only on Taco Tuesday at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Simple enough, right?

Here's what actually happened: I'd stick to my two glasses at dinner, but knowing I'd want more wine later, I'd order dessert to go (yes, I was substituting one craving for another). After a couple of weeks of this pattern, I started making "quick stops" at the liquor store on the way home for a "nightcap." That single nightcap quickly became finishing the entire bottle. Before I knew it, I was back to drinking every night, starting the abstain-moderate-drink cycle all over again.

Looking back, I realize I was trying to maintain control instead of surrendering to God's better plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Our attempts at moderation often reflect our reluctance to fully trust God's guidance.

This pattern is one I've heard repeated by many others in the sober community:

• Constantly calculating drink counts

• Negotiating with yourself about exceptions

• Planning which events "qualify" for drinking

• Managing internal debates about when and how much

• Creating elaborate rules that ultimately fail

God often uses our struggles to draw us closer to Him. When we're caught in the cycle of moderation, we're actually fighting against the Holy Spirit's gentle conviction that there might be a better way.

The Power of Personal Data

What finally broke this cycle for me was a year of collecting my own data. Instead of just trying to moderate, I started paying attention to how I felt both physically and mentally during periods of moderation versus periods of abstinence. This wasn't a formal study—just honest self-observation. The differences were stark and undeniable.

Here's where I learned something transformative: We don't desire what we don't crave. This might sound obvious, but it's profound. When we're trying to moderate, we're constantly engaging with cravings–fighting them, negotiating with them, sometimes giving in to them. But when we step away completely, something magical happens. The cravings eventually quiet down, and with them goes the desire.

Think about it: Do you crave other addictive substances you've never tried? Of course not. Once you break free from alcohol's grip and truly change how you feel about it, the desire diminishes until it disappears entirely. This isn't about white-knuckling through cravings—it's about gaining freedom from them.

The Professional Transformation

When I finally stopped trying to moderate and embraced complete sobriety, my professional life soared. As a VP of Marketing, I had always performed well, but there was a noticeable difference in how I showed up in my role. I finally felt like the executive I was meant to be—clear-headed, confident, and fully present.

The professional advantages of not drinking became undeniable:

• Crystal-clear decision making in high-stakes situations

• Consistent energy levels throughout the day

• More authentic leadership presence

• Stronger, more genuine professional relationships

• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities

Beyond Moderation: Finding True Freedom

The most remarkable changes came after I stopped fighting the moderation battle. At age 52, I found the clarity and courage to leave my corporate job and start my own business—something I never would have attempted while struggling with alcohol. I'm now living a purpose-driven life that feels balanced and authentic.

This kind of transformation isn't unique to my story. Through podcasts, books, support groups, and connecting with others in the sober community, I've witnessed how many professionals discover similar freedom once they stop exhausting themselves with moderation rules to drink less and embrace a complete break from alcohol.

True freedom isn't found in perfectly executed moderation rules—it's found in Christ. As Jesus said in John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This includes freedom from alcohol's hold on our lives.

Scripture tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Taking a break from alcohol creates space for this transformation, allowing God to reshape our thinking and restore our trust in Him as our ultimate source of comfort and joy.

The Challenge

Instead of struggling with moderation rules, I invite you to try something different: Take a complete break from alcohol. Not forever (unless you choose), but long enough to gather your own data about how life feels without it. Our 21-day Finding Alignment Seeking Truth (FAST) Challenge provides the perfect structure to explore this option.

During this drinking break, you'll experience myriad physical, mental and spiritual benefits:

• Experience sustained mental clarity that enhances decision-making and emotional awareness

• Discover natural stress management techniques that provide genuine relief

• Learn to socialize confidently without alcohol, building authentic connections

• Transform your financial health by redirecting alcohol spending toward meaningful investments

• Improve your physical vitality through better sleep, increased energy, and enhanced wellness

• Experience the mental freedom from breaking free from alcohol's constant negotiations

• Reclaim precious time once spent planning around, recovering from, and thinking about drinking

• Gather compelling personal evidence about how life without alcohol exceeds your expectations

• Deepen your relationship with God as you turn to Him instead of alcohol for comfort

• Experience more meaningful prayer time with enhanced mental clarity and spiritual connection

• Discover how God fills the spaces that alcohol once occupied

• Strengthen your faith as you learn to rely on His strength rather than your own

• Rediscover the joy of being fully present in your walk with Christ

• Feel more aligned with God's purpose for your life

• Experience the peace that comes from living in agreement with your faith values

• Create space for real spiritual growth and transformation

• Learn to hear God's voice more clearly without alcohol's interference

• Build authentic Christian fellowship not centered around drinking

Remember, fasting has been a powerful spiritual practice throughout Biblical history. When we fast from anything that's come between us and God—including alcohol—we open ourselves to deeper revelation and transformation.

Your Next Step

Rather than exhausting yourself with moderation attempts to drink less, why not explore how life feels without alcohol? After experiencing the benefits and collecting your own evidence, you'll be better equipped to decide if moderation is worth pursuing or if, like many others, you prefer the freedom of an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Prayer and surrender to God's guidance are powerful tools in this journey. As you consider taking a break from alcohol, remember that you're not alone—God promises to give us the strength we need for every positive change He calls us to make.

Ready to discover what's possible for transforming your relationship with alcohol? Book your free discovery call today. Let's discuss how taking a break from alcohol could enhance your professional and personal life in ways that moderation never could.

Remember, questioning your drinking habits shows wisdom and self-awareness.

You don't need to hit rock bottom to decide alcohol isn't serving your highest good. Sometimes, the most powerful choice is simply to step away, gather your own data, and see what life could be like without it. The freedom you find might surprise you.

Your desire to question your relationship with alcohol might be God's loving invitation to experience greater freedom and deeper faith. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, He has plans to give you hope and a future—plans that might be even better than you imagine.

For additional research-backed information, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the CDC's alcohol portal.