Moderate drinking as an alternative to alcohol abuse: A non-aversive procedure

In a barroom setting, three volunteer alcohol abusers were exposed to a comprehensive application of positive behavioral techniques in an attempt to establish moderate drinking patterns. Treatment consisted of four two-week phases: abstinence, supervised drinking experiences, internal perception of BAC. and blind alcohol preload. During treatment, two of the subjects acquired a moderate drinking style and maintained controlled alcohol consumption throughout the six-month follow-up period. A definition of moderation is offered as a treatment goal and a positive behavioral prescription provides specification of the behavior deemed necessary in acquiring and maintaining controlled drinking. The results of the study indicate that training in moderate drinking can be successful without the use of aversive contingencies.