The Moderation Management programme in 2004: What type of drinker seeks controlled drinking?

Abstract 

Objective

Moderation Management (MM) is a mutual aid support group that helps problem drinkers reduce drinking to non-harmful levels. This study describes member characteristics as part of an organisational evaluation. The results are compared to those of an earlier survey.

Methods

An anonymous survey was distributed to all members in the online and face-to-face MM groups. Respondents (N=272) reported demographic characteristics, drinking history, frequency/amount of drinking, alcohol dependence, life problems six months prior to MM, drinking goals upon programme entry, and pre-MM help sought. Data were analysed for the entire group and by programme delivery format: online-only (OL), face-to-face only (F2F), and both (Both).

Results

Members had a mean age of 44 years, and were 66% female, 98% White, 90% US residents, 80% employed, 54% married, 94% college educated; 77% had an annual income over $50,000; 54% had not sought prior help. The pre-MM mean number of drinks per week was 34 (S.D. 20, range 0–105), dependence score was 11 of a possible 39 (S.D. 5, range 0–24), and number of life problems was 1.9 (S.D. 1.4, range 0–6) of a possible 6. The OL group was younger than the other two groups. The F2F group had sought more prior help than the OL group and drank less than the Both group. Those using Both formats sought to move from abstinence to moderation more frequently than the OL group.

Conclusions

People participating in MM are largely White and upper middle class. Participation by women has increased since 1999; MM may be attracting members with a higher level of dependence than previously. As over 50% have not previously sought help, MM is an important addition to other treatment choices. It is an option problem drinkers want.

Keywords: Moderation Management, Controlled drinking, Alcohol, Harm reduction, Support group