Have you ever thought about the similarities between trying to moderate your drinking and gambling in a casino?
I’ve spent the past few days in Las Vegas – Sin City itself. A place where the drinks flow freely, the casinos never close and the house always wins.
And that got me thinking about the parallels between these two activities. Alcohol – just like a casino – always takes more than it gives.
So how do you ensure you “win” the game against alcohol? I explain everything in today’s video.
Key points:
Moderation feels like a win – until it isn’t.
At first, you think you’ve mastered it. You drink less, stick to rules, and tell yourself you’re in control. But just like in a casino, the longer you play, the more you risk losing.
Casinos use tricks—no clocks, no windows, a maze-like floor—to keep you gambling. Alcohol works the same way. It’s everywhere, wrapped in sleek packaging, hyped up as the secret to fun and relaxation. It never warns you about the real risks.
The biggest con? The idea that moderation should be possible.
No one expects moderation with other addictive drugs. But alcohol? We’re told we should be able to control it. That if we just had more discipline, we’d get it right. That’s the illusion that keeps us stuck.
Every drink is a gamble. Each time you tell yourself “just one,” you’re placing a bet—risking your energy, confidence, peace of mind, and self-respect. And just like at the blackjack table, you don’t know how it’s going to play out. Maybe you’ll be fine this time. But maybe you won’t.
The only way to win is to stop playing.
In Vegas, the only way to walk away with your money is to quit while you’re ahead. And with alcohol, the only way to truly win is to step away from the game completely. So next time you’re tempted to drink, picture yourself at the blackjack table. Is this a bet you really want to make?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you been gambling with alcohol? Are you ready to walk away from the betting table? Drop me a comment below. I promise you, life is so much better on the other side.
18 responses
Definitely not worth the gamble for me ! I celebrated 2 years Sober on 13th February 2025. Life has never been so good for me No gambling for me .
Thank you so much Kate x
How wonderful to hear Susan! Many congratulations on your two year soberversary.
Not worth the gamble for me either as I know what the end result will be. I turn 50 this week and am going on a 4 day trip to Rome with my hubby. I am worried I might succumb because it’s my ‘special birthday’. Any words of wisdom for this situation Kate?
Decide ahead of time that you’re not drinking, make a solid commitment to yourself that you’re going to experience your special birthday sober and make crystal clear memories to treasure. Think about what this trip is really about, because it’s not about the alcohol.
Holidays and trips are about getting away from normal life for a while, seeing new places, doing new things, enjoying the company of the people you are with and maybe a new culture. Relaxing and coming home recharged will be fabulous and something as underwhelming as alcohol is not going to take a once in a lifetime experience away from you. Have a wonderful time!
Thanks so much Kate x
Hi Kate welcome to west side you words are very smart , makes a lot of sense. I am not ready to leave the possibility of fun times behind as yet. Is my road block . Help , tell me fun times are still ahead!
Thinking that sobriety is a deprivation rather than a lifestyle upgrade will keep you stuck – it’s all about perspective. Have a listen to my blog on this very topic, I think you’ll see that drinking is the harder option. https://thesoberschool.com/sobriety-makes-me-feel-deprived/
like Vegas I have” House Rules” and I always win not playing the game. Not worth the risk
I think this is one of my favourite videos that you’ve done Kate. The analogy sums up the cost of what we have to lose by drinking perfectly and so succinctly. It’s really sunk in for me. I’m not willing to take the risk. Thanks so much Kate
You’re most welcome Char. I’d love to help you find freedom from the alcohol trap that you so deserve. Put your name on my interest list for my next coaching programme and I’ll show you how to make quitting drinking easy, straightforward and even fun: https://thesoberschool.com/course/
Good point Mary Ray – you always win if you don’t play the game.
I have unsuccessfully tried.moderation. I even tried.a few.programs that advocated it. It always led to a relapse. Definitely not an option for me
Moderation as you’ve found is a complete myth and here’s why it’s not worth the gamble: https://thesoberschool.com/control-drinking/
Thanks Kate. I wish I had known you 20 years ago when I lived in Vegas. Very dangerous place for someone who didn’t “think” she was an alcoholic. Gambling was never that big of an addiction, except after 4 wines, who cares. Sober now since September 27, 2023.
Alcohol, gambling and smoking are very prevalent in Las Vegas, so it was an eye opening experience. Sober life suits you and me best obviously, congratulations!
92 days sober today. Never going back. I tried ‘moderation’ a few times and every time I ended up in the same awful place – except each time was worse than the last. Two sayings that keep me going – yours Kate – ‘Noone ever says try smoking in moderation’ and this one – ‘The first drink leads to the next 1000’. Whatever problems we try to escape by drinking are better faced sober. The gamble is NOT worth it.
I’m so happy for you Jessica, breaking free from the merry-go-round of moderation is awesome! No more gambling with your one and only precious life.
Great video Kate. Keep them coming ..I’m still sober..20th October 2024..