Alcohol Relapse: Myths, Prevention, and Treatment

Alcohol relapse after any term of sobriety can be heartbreaking for anyone. It can contribute to feelings of failure and weakness, and these feelings can contribute to a continued spiral of self-destruction. It is difficult to accept the circumstances when someone has remained sober because maintaining sobriety for any amount of time is a giant accomplishment. However, it is so important to understand that just because a relapse occurs does not mean it is the end of the road to recovery. Even after a relapse, it is possible to get sober and healthy again.

Understanding Alcohol Relapse

It is vital to understand that sometimes relapse happens, but not everyone will experience it. Alcohol addiction is a disease outlined in the DSM-5, it is chronic and relapsing, but can go into remission- also known as recovery. This is where relapse comes in. Someone can struggle with alcohol for years, get professional help, and remain sober long-term. However, even 20 or 30 years down the road they could experience relapse. Alcohol relapse occurs when the individual returns to drinking after a time of sobriety. Relapse does not have to be a part of someone’s recovery journey, but if it does happen it is important to understand that it is not the end. Recovery can be achieved again, sobriety can be achieved.

Debunking Common Myths About Relapse

When it comes to alcohol relapse, several rumors are prevalent and hinder the process of getting sober again. Addressing these myths, and learning the facts about the issue are equally important. Relapse does not have to be a continued downward spiral, minimal impact is possible. It is crucial to have professional care and support to ensure that the individual has the best possible chance to regain their sober lifestyle.

Myth: Relapse is Inevitable

This is one of the most detrimental myths about someone relapsing. It is not inevitable. It is not a requirement. You do not have to relapse to recover from alcohol addiction. While the statistics surrounding relapse are indicative of higher rates, the number of people who get sober for the first time and remain sober until the end of their life is also high. Relapse is not a requirement for recovery, not everyone will experience one just as not everyone who gets sober will stay that way. Understanding the signs of relapse as well as the alcoholic triggers can help to prevent it from happening.

Myth: Relapse Means Failure

This myth about relapse leads to continued drinking and self-destruction. Those who struggle with alcohol often have low self-esteem, feelings of sadness, and worthlessness. When they get sober they start to feel better about themselves, so expressing that their relapse means they failed can lead to them continuing down a detrimental path. Encouraging them to get help and begin healing again can help them to seek professional care to get and get sober.

Myth: You Have to Start All Over

Alcohol relapse does not mean starting over. While the number of days someone has been sober changes, their knowledge and understanding of recovery is still there. They could get sober again before the impacts of drinking take effect and before they lose everything, materialistically, so they get sober with everything still intact.

Recognizing the Signs of Alcoholic Relapse

Often, when someone experiences a relapse, they can attribute it to a specific event. However, these events are also accompanied by mental health struggles. The signs of relapse are important to know because it could help someone seek help before a relapse occurs. But it is also important to know the signs an alcoholic is drinking again. Signs that could be indicative of someone drinking again can include both behavioral and emotional warnings. There could be more subtle shifts in behavioral patterns that may occur before a physical relapse happens.  They may begin isolating and avoiding their sober support system. Emotionally, they could exhibit signs of depression. Early signs of relapse can include emotional instability, increased stress, and avoiding self-care. Later signs of alcohol relapse can include reconnecting with old drinking buddies and rationalizing or glorifying drinking.

Understanding Alcoholic Triggers

Alcoholic triggers are the main reason for relapses. Anyone who struggles with alcohol and has found sobriety for any amount of time should be able to identify their triggers for drinking and find positive ways of coping with them. This can help them to gain self-confidence and pride in their sobriety so they can maintain it. Environmental triggers can include exposure to places and situations that could trigger uncomfortable emotions that can lead to drinking again. Mental or emotional triggers can include stress, anxiety, or depression. Coping with these can prove to be difficult without proper support. Social pressures, such as going out with friends or coworkers can often trigger relapse. Especially if they are unaware of their previous struggles and pressured into even a single drink. Relationship triggers can include tension and conflict within relationships. Whether platonic or romantic.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

Alcohol relapse prevention is possible. Maintaining a strong support system is vital. Having positive influences to turn to, instead of drinking, can be the strongest tool someone has in their arsenal for relapse prevention. Triggers are going to happen throughout the recovery journey. Having positive coping skills and the necessary tools can help someone to avoid relapsing. After the treatment process ends, having an aftercare plan that includes ongoing therapy can be a vital part of long-term recovery. Having the right support as someone continues on their recovery journey is so important, and this often includes therapy after completing a treatment program.

What to Do If You Relapse

Alcohol relapse is not a definite thing. But if it does happen, knowing what to do is crucial. First, admitting that there is a problem is part one. Reach out to sober support immediately, let them know what happened, and seek help to get back on track. Letting close loved ones know what happened is important as well. They can offer loving support and encouragement for seeking help to get back on the right path. If going back to treatment and getting support through the beginning stages is possible, it is highly suggested. In this environment, it is controlled with support through the feelings and emotions that will inevitably arise.

Seeking Professional Help for Alcohol Relapse

When alcohol relapse happens, seeking professional help is vital to promoting recovery. These programs offer much-needed support and provide positive, healthy coping skills for maintaining recovery. When it comes to inpatient vs outpatient, it all depends on the level of drinking. Programs like IOP may be suitable for those who aren’t physically dependent. However, this is dependent on the qualifications of the center providing the care. It is important to understand that the recommended care will be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Alcohol Relapse is Not an End to Recovery

People in recovery come to the lifestyle for a reason. Whether their life has been completely derailed due to their drinking habits, or less devastating consequences led them to change their life. Either way, anyone who has gotten sober can be susceptible to relapse. It is crucial to know that if a relapse has occurred, it does not mean failure. It does not mean that recovery is not possible. If you or a loved one have experienced a relapse, help is available. At Flatirons Recovery we provide crucial care and support for those who relapsed to find hope for recovery again. Call us today and get control of your life back.