Rethinking Drinking: A Client-Centered Approach to Supporting Incremental Change in Alcohol Use
For some clients whose alcohol use is causing problems, learning to drink more moderately and safely can be a realistic and sustainable goal. For others, managed (moderate) drinking may act as an important first step on the path to quitting alcohol altogether, whether temporarily or for the long term. No matter what drinking goals clients wish to pursue, it is crucial for clinicians to be well-prepared to guide them in assessing their drinking patterns and embarking on a journey of positive, incremental change. Historically, abstinence-only models have dominated Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) treatment. However, emerging research and clinical experience indicate that harm reduction strategies—including managed (or moderate) drinking—can be effective options for certain individuals, particularly those with less severe or earlier-stage alcohol issues. This harm reduction framework not only encourages more flexible personalized care but also lowers the barriers for clients to seek help, making it a more inclusive option for those who may feel daunted by abstinence-only approaches. Given that office-based therapists are often the first professionals approached by individuals seeking help with alcohol and other substance use concerns, it is essential for all mental health practitioners, regardless of specialty, to possess the knowledge and skills to competently and routinely address these concerns.
This three-hour webinar will equip participants with a diverse clinical toolkit, offering practical strategies, integrated behavioral and pharmacological interventions, real-life case studies, and important ethical considerations. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to address alcohol-related challenges in their practice with greater flexibility, empathy, and effectiveness, expanding the treatment possibilities for patients seeking help for alcohol use concerns. Participants will leave with a nuanced understanding of a broad spectrum of alcohol use problems and clinical tools to help their patients succeed in sustaining abstinence or safer (more moderate) levels of alcohol consumption.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Summarize the relevant evidence base supporting the efficacy of alcohol moderation and other harm reduction strategies
- Describe the most salient evidence-based techniques for helping patients reduce alcohol intake to safer levels or stop drinking completely.
- Explain the most common dilemmas, ethical issues, and practical considerations in supporting both abstinence and non-abstinence treatment goals
Instructor Bio
Arnold M. Washton, Ph.D., is a psychologist, book author, and founder of The Washton Group, a private practice specializing on the treatment of substance use disorders in executives, professionals, adolescents, and young adults. He has served as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, director of several nationally recognized addiction treatment programs, principal investigator of research grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and consultant to professional sports teams, government agencies, media organizations, and major corporations. He has also served as substance abuse advisor to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, special committees of The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and the American Psychological Association. Dr. Washton has authored over 100 journal articles and nine books including "Treating Alcohol and Drug Problems in Psychotherapy Practice: Doing What Works" (2nd Edition, 2023).
Dr. Washton has no conflicts of interest for this program.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.