Moderation Management

Moderation Management emerged is a secular, non-profit alternative to traditional abstinence-focused recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. Rather than demanding complete cessation from drinking, MM was created to support individuals—particularly “problem drinkers” who are not alcohol-dependent—in achieving moderated alcohol use and reducing harm. The approach is inspired by the Guided Self-Change model developed in the mid-1980s by Drs. Linda and Mark Sobell, emphasizing self-directed moderation rather than disease-focused recovery.  

https://moderation.org/

Alcohol 

Secular (Pro-Use)

Moderation Management (MM) began in 1994, founded by Audrey Kishline as a unique alternative in the world of recovery. Her vision was to create a supportive community for people seeking to moderate their drinking, rather than abstain completely. Audrey’s approach, published in her book Moderate Drinking: The New Option for Problem Drinkers, offered a fresh perspective on addressing alcohol use—a path based on mindfulness, personal responsibility, and support for those who wanted to find balance without quitting entirely.

In 2000, Audrey Kishline tragically caused a fatal drunk-driving crash, which shook the community’s credibility and intensified scrutiny over MM’s philosophy. At the time, she had reportedly begun pursuing abstinence after recognizing moderation wasn’t working for her. She later died by suicide.

Critics—particularly within the 12-step recovery community—have labeled MM as risky, arguing it may enable dependent drinkers to rationalize continued drinking. Supporters counter that MM serves as an important harm-reduction option for those not ready for abstinence.

MM’s evolution continued as it embraced the digital age. Although smaller in reach than larger abstinence-based organizations, MM’s communities continued to grow, offering a safe and accepting space for those seeking moderation as their goal. By 2019, MM had stepped into the social media space, and introduced its first private Facebook group. Despite initial concerns about privacy, the group has become MM’s largest and most vibrant community, significantly increasing MM’s reach and accessibility.

In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic created the opportunity for online meetings to emerge, allowing people from anywhere in the world to give and receive support to each other. Today, MM hosts over 30 online meetings per week, while the interest returning to in-person meetings continues to rise.

Today, MM stands as a testament to resilience. In recent years, MM’s partnerships with moderation-friendly organizations and the rise of the “sober curious” movement have brought renewed interest and increased membership. The Kickstart Moderation program was launched in 2021, offering a month-long introduction to MM’s tools and strategies, making support more accessible than ever.

MM has both in-person and online meetings, with digital support via private Facebook groups, a Listserv, live chat rooms, and forums. While MM has been active in around 17 U.S. states, the majority of engagement now happens online.

Moderate Drinking: The New Option for Problem Drinkers by Audrey Kishline   

Users are encouraged to reduce negative consequences from drinking by following science-backed guidelines on quantity, frequency, and “moderate drinking limits.” These aim to promote healthier habits and safer behaviors.

1. Attending meetings or joining online groups
2. Beginning with 30 days of abstinence
3. Reflecting on alcohol’s impact
4. Identifying life priorities
5. Assessing personal drinking patterns
6. Learning MM’s moderation guidelines
7. Gradually implementing “small steps” toward balance
8. Reviewing progress and refining goals
9. Continuing positive change and supporting newcomers

MM doesn’t frame drinking issues as a disease. Rather, it considers problem drinking a controllable habit for many individuals, supporting self-management over lifelong abstinence.

Meetings are facilitated by peers, not professionals, and uphold a supportive, shame-free atmosphere. MM is not therapy, but encourages mutual respect, confidentiality, and personal empowerment.

Online:  https://moderation.org/events/