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The disease model and 12-Step programs assume that the individual is powerless to control incentive use, and so do not permit moderation as a treatment goal. The bio-psycho-social model does permit such a goal, which for many individuals is a weakness of this approach. In fact, even though the author does not know anything about you, he asserts that choosing moderation as a goal rather than complete abstinence is probably a mistake. Nevertheless, you are an adult and it is your call. Be aware that your relationship with the incentive can take three forms: 1) abstinence, 2) controlled use, or 3) uncontrolled use. (If you cannot control your incentive use, you only have two options.)
The desire to maintain your relationship with the incentive is certainly understandable; incentive use does have its benefits. Ironically, the greater the payoff, the greater is the incentive’s corruptive power; incentives that can deliver immediate gratification have such an impact on the Psyche that attempting to be a “controlled user” may be a fool’s errand. However, if you still want to pursue moderation rather than abstinence as a goal, take the PIG’s wager: If you win you get to be a controlled user; if you lose you must admit that the PIG [the Problem of Immediate Gratification] is stronger than you had imagined (or are capable of imaging), and abstinence and uncontrolled use are your only options.
- Establish whatever rules you think are appropriate regarding incentive use.
- Whatever these rules are, the PIG bets that you can’t follow them.
- Take the PIG’s bet—that is, you wager that you will adhere impeccably to your rules.
- If you win the bet you get to continue to use the incentive under the terms of your rules.
- But if you lose the bet you must admit that you cannot be a controlled user. You don’t get a second chance. Any violation of the rules means you lose, so bear this in mind when you make your rules.
- Controlled use means that you are following your own rules, so there must always be rules pertaining to this aspect of your life. You may modify your rules according to some predefined schedule – never on the spur of the moment.