Originally Posted by
kanamit 
I wonder if many lurkers here are contemplating using AVRT for moderation.
You don't need to wonder.
Originally Posted by
kanamit What if one were to create a Big Plan:
I will never drink during the week—and I will never change my mind.
On face value, it seems like a good idea. But would it work?
No, it wouldn't work, not once the Beast has been born. Moderation is like foreplay to the Beast, just enough to get turned on, but not quite enough to get completely drunk, which is what it really wants. The Beast likes the idea of moderation, however, because with just a few drinks, your judgement will be impaired, and it will likely get the upper hand on you. The Beast also likes the idea of tentative abstinence — quitting temporarily
to see how it goes — because, as you note, that just keeps it alive and kicking with hope. Ideas of tentative abstinence or moderation are Addictive Voice, pure and simple, since both blatantly suggest future drinking.
This is discussed in
"The Rationale for Abstinence" on pages 123-126 of
RR: TNC, which covers
The Crossover Effect, and in
"Moderation, anyone?" on pages 80-82 of
The Art of AVRT.