Art of Moderation Summary
This succinct yet comprehensive volume deals with the issues surrounding alcohol overindulgence and brings to light that a cycle of alcohol dependence has definable causes which can be addressed and resolved when combined with a strong desire to be free of addictive behavior.
Michael starts with the definition of an alcoholic from AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and from the Department of Health and Human Services. He then reveals why believing in a common tenet from AA "once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic," prohibits independence from alcohol abuse.
After an account of his own personal experience with alcoholism, Michael explains how he was able to become a moderate drinker. After discussing the prerequisites to moderation, he elaborates on the thought processes associated with a moderate lifestyle, including the key issues of dissociating pleasure with harmful-habit patterns and associating pleasure with moderation.
In describing the lifestyle of moderation, Michael focuses on values, the meaning of real freedom, reference groups and being in control. Furthermore he covers the attitudes of moderation (appreciation, independence, confidence, and avoiding powerlessness) and other components of a moderate lifestyle, including diet, exercise, ritual, affirmations, meditation, and guidelines for drinking alcohol. He also explains how to avoid compensating for feelings of inadequacy by using drugs or alcohol and how thought affects feelings. Michael discloses an underlying principle of mental causation: We are all recipients of our beliefs, desires, intentions, biases and prejudices. He goes on to explain how beliefs influence rehabilitation and how ethics are not necessarily the result of a belief in God.
He concludes with an admonition for personal responsibility: The knowledge that it is possible to drink moderately must be beyond the shadow of a doubt; otherwise, don't drink. Moderation must be an unquestionably adamant, desirable and thorough commitment.
