The U.S. Department of Health defines moderate drinking as “up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.” While AA preaches abstinenceThe act of not partaking in the substance or activity to which a member is addicted. The length of sobriety of addicts is determined following the period of abstinence. More from alcoholAn organic compound used in many products, most notably intoxicating drinks. Alcohol addiction is known as alcoholism. The first 12-step program was devised to deal with that malady. More, some believe that it is more sustainable to help alcoholics drink more moderately.