This situation is serious not only because it jeopardizes sobriety but also because being exposed to alcohol after a period of abstinence can have significant effects on the human system. If you’ve been in a program, immediately connect with your counselor, therapist, support group, or mentor. Recommit to your self-care plan, especially activities that eased stress and other emotional triggers. Some research has found that 40% to 60% of people dealing with substance abuse disorders relapse within a year. In fact, experts consider relapses part of the recovery process. Before you talk to your loved one who has experienced an alcohol relapse, try to put yourself in their shoes.
- For individuals dealing with both addiction and mental health challenges, dual diagnosis treatment provides specialized care.
- Death caused by alcohol poisoning, motor vehicle or other accidents, violence, suicide, and alcohol-related diseases make alcohol abuse the third most preventable cause of death in the United States.
- Most recovery models, including the 12-step recovery model (Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA), believe that complete abstinence is the only way to achieve sobriety.
- We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
How Should I Deal With a Relapse?
Can alcoholics ever drink again and maintain control over going back to drinking after being sober their lives? These are the questions that countless individuals and families deal with as they handle the challenges of recovery. Harmony Ridge Recovery Center provides specialized support and guidance for those facing these tough decisions.
Does a Relapse Mean That You Need to Attend Alcohol Rehab Again?
- Many plans cover medication-assisted treatment and rehab programs.
- Their previous relationship with alcohol likely involved excessive use and a lack of control.
- For example, individual therapy for addiction helps uncover the underlying causes of alcohol misuse and provides personalized strategies for overcoming challenges.
- If your living arrangements are neither safe nor conducive to recovery, please consider alternative arrangements.
- Certain behavior changes can signal that an individual with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) has relapsed.
Relapse is a process that can begin weeks or months before someone drinks. If someone is in recovery, they might feel more of a temptation to drink again than normal. It’s helpful to have a relapse prevention plan that considers these triggers, with specifically identified strategies to address them.
Aftercare Programs
Attempting to drink socially or in moderation is not worth this risk. By the time you find out you are unable to moderate your drinking, unsafe drinking habits may have already returned. Your personal, social and work relationships may suffer again. You may again start experiencing negative health symptoms when you return to drinking. The path to recovery from alcoholism is long and avoidance of drinking is the key to success.
- For some individuals, complete abstinence from alcohol may not be desired or achievable for various reasons.
- Her initial sobriety journey inspired many fans who were considering their own relationship with drinking.
Effects of Alcoholic Relapse
If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol relapse, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. At Boardwalk Recovery Center, we understand the challenges of overcoming alcohol addiction and are committed to providing comprehensive support. Our programs are designed to help individuals build a strong foundation for long-term what is alcoholism sobriety.