It spiffs up his rationalization. It is a pseudo-solution. Managed moderation is the pettifogger's debate coach. Every alcoholic knows, in some region of the brain, the truth about what he is. But every alcoholic will do almost anything to avoid facing the truth.
Moderation management gives the addict a hiding place.
Alcoholism loves gray areas. It thrives in the ambiguous zones. But alcoholism is not a gray area. It is defeated by clarity and self-knowledge, not by a sneaking, temporizing, dishonest litigation with the sauce. 2001 Time Inc. All rights reserved.