LOS ANGELES - The U.S. government today announced newly revised guidelines regarding the consumption of alcohol with the launch of its “Rethinking Drinking” Website. The extensive site supports the concept of "Alcohol Reduction" and the viability of non-12 Step programs to help people drink less and be healthier According to Marc Kern, Ph.D., the new approach is a long awaited and beneficial change in the way the NIH approaches alcohol treatment and recovery.
“Millions of people have been avoiding any sort of help for their drinking because they weren’t willing to embrace the "black or white notions" that permeate the 12-Step program,” Kern said. “Now the government is saying that there are is another way.” Dr. Kern is a founding father, and remains on the Board of Directors of Moderation Management, one of the alternatives included on the NIH Website.
For decades, problem drinkers have been steered exclusively to Alcoholics Anonymous by state and local courts, as well as the prison system. For many people the A.A. structure and belief system simply doesn’t work. “In my opinion, countless people see their alcohol problems get worse because they aren’t willing to accept the idea that you have to stop drinking 100%, to really start the program.” says Kern.
Moderation Management is a free mutual-help group based on belief that "even heavy drinkers are able to change on their own" according to to MarkWillenbring, MD., director of NIAAA's Division of Treatment and Recovery Research. In Moderation Management, people are given individualized "Drink Limits", strategies and support to attain and maintain drinking in moderation. According to Kern, “Moderation can be the first stepping stone toward looking at their drinking, and many people ultimately come to the conclusion that abstinence is a safer and better course.”
The "Rethinking Drinking" site supports these alternatives stating, “If one approach doesn't work, try something else. If a setback happens, get back on track as quickly as possible. In the long run, your chances for success are good.”
Dr. Kern is very encouraged by the updated NIH approach. “This will finally give people a real choice,” .
Marc Kern, Ph.D. is a practicing addiction therapist who appeared on 20-20 and Larry King live among numerous radio and TV shows. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who uses cognitive therapy to help people manage and overcome addictions. He came to his profession after overcoming his own serious struggle with alcoholism. He is also co-author of “Responsible Drinking,” among other publications.
# # #
Dr. Kern is available for interviews on the topic of addiction recovery alternatives.
Founder/Director, Addiction Alternatives Inc.
Co-founder of http://www.1TherapyPlace.com
http://www.HabitDoc.com
HabitDoc@gmail.com or Marc@1TherapyPlace.com
310-275-5433
For Further Information about Dr. Kern
* http://habitdoc.com/
