Moderation is not possible at "any" stage of alcoholism. Nor is it possible for some folks that have never had a drink. (In my opinion/experience). While the allergy analogy is not "scientifically" correct, there is a similar response for some people. A person so pre-disposed can no more drink moderately on a consistent basis. On the other hand there are "heavy drinkers" that drink so as a choice. They may become somewhat physically addicted and could possibly return to moderate drinking (again in my opinion). The term alcoholism is so broad that in includes folks that have no control for different reasons and there are different outcomes for each depending on whether they stay sober or keep drinking. I do believe though you can turn a cucumber into a pickle, but you can't go back.
