A PowerPoint Presentation by Marc F. Kern Ph.D. Presented at the 109th Convention American Psychological Association, August 25, 2001.

MM - The Basics
 
*MM was founded in 1993 as a mutual-help program for drinkers who were not severely dependent on alcohol, nevertheless had concerns about their drinking and were experiencing mild to moderate levels of alcohol-related problems.

*MM is now an International self-help network

*Moderation Management Network, Inc., is a 501- C, nonprofit,charitable organization
*MM is approved by the State of California and County of L.A. for DUI support-group mandates

MM - Basic Principles

*Self-Management

*Balance

*Moderation

*Personal Responsibility

FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO CUT BACK OR QUIT DRINKING


Unique Features of  MM

*MM provides a safe place for problem drinkers to reduce or quit drinking before serious dependence sets in.

*MM does not require participants to label themselves Alcoholics, nor to say that they have a disease.

*MM believes that harm reduction is a worthwhile goal.

*MM serves as a gateway to abstinence for about thirty percent of participants.

*MM stresses personal responsibility for drinking decisions, locating the power within the individual rather than with a substance.

*MM does not impose drinking goals on its participants.

*MM has a large internet base, reaching people who cannot or do not wish to attend support groups.



The MM Ground Rules - Part 1

*MM members accept responsibility for their own actions and have a sincere desire to reduce their drinking to a non-harmful level.

*MM meetings are anonymous.

*Members should never come to MM meetings intoxicated.

*MM has a "zero tolerance" policy toward drinking and driving.

*MM does not condone underage drinking.



The MM Ground Rules - Part II


*Problems related to the abuse of illegal drugs are outside the scope of MM meetings.

*MM meetings are for problem drinkers. This program is not intended for alcoholics or others who are seriously dependent on alcohol.

*MM discourages members from socializing together in drinking situations.

*MM never permits alcohol at meetings or other MM-related activities.

*MM suggests that members make their MM meeting days non-drinking days



The 9 Steps of MM


*1.Attend meetings or on-line groups and learn about the program of Moderation Management.

*2.Abstain from alcoholic beverages for 30 days and complete steps three through six during this time.

*3. Examine how drinking has affected your life.

*4.Write down your life priorities.

*5.Take a look at how much, how often, and under what circumstances you used to drink.

*6.Learn the MM guidelines and limits for moderate drinking.

*7.Set moderate drinking limits and start weekly "small steps“ toward balance and moderation in other areas of your life.

*8. Review your progress and update your goals.

*9.Continue to make positive lifestyle changes and attend meetings whenever you need ongoing support or would like to help newcomers.



The MM Drinking Limits

*Never drive while under the influence of alcohol

*Do not drink in situations that would endanger yourself or others         
*Do not drink every day. MM suggests that you abstain from drinking alcohol at least 3 or 4 days per week                                

*For women: Do not drink more than 3 drinks on any day, and no more than 9 drinks per week

*For men: Do not drink more than 4 drinks on any day, and no more than 14 drinks per week                                             
*Note: These "number of drinks" limits are LIMITS and not TARGETS



MM - FAQ's


*Typically f2f groups range in size from 2-10 people

*There is no specified average length of attendance or number of meetings per week

*Average length of a meeting is 90 minutes

*There is no cost to attend, donations appreciated

*There is a wealth of additional information on MM at www.moderation.org