Abstinence from alcohol has historically been viewed as the most desirable outcome for alcohol treatment, yet not wanting to stop drinking completely is one of the primary reasons why the majority of individuals with alcohol problems do not seek treatment[2, 3]. However, there is growing evidence that low risk drinking, often defined by not exceeding low risk drinking limits (e.g., no more than 3 drinks per occasion for women and 4 drinks per occasion for men[4]), is possible during the course of treatment, and low risk drinking can be maintained for up to several years following treatment[5–9]. Further, the United States Food and Drug Administration has recommended “no heavy drinking days”, as an alternative primary endpoint to abstinence in the evaluation of medications for alcohol dependence[10].
