Muse Treatment: How to Deal with a Relapse of a Recovering Alcoholic

Alcohol is the most popular form of drug consumption in society. The prevalence of alcohol in everyday life, from TV advertisements to happy hour invites from coworkers, means the temptation to have even just a casual drink is extremely high. While one drink can seem harmless, people in alcohol addiction recovery can find it difficult to avoid the triggers and situations that can lead to an alcoholic relapse. Unfortunately, a relapse during alcohol addiction recovery is a common occurrence, but it does not constitute a failure in treatment or in the person trying to recover. While no one wants to experience a relapse, it does present an opportunity to figure out why it occurred and work toward finding better ways to remain sober after treatment.

With the popularity of alcohol so perverse in society, receiving treatment for alcohol addiction is also common, with 2.3 million people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) undergoing professional help for their condition, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Treatment at an alcohol rehab center helps patients learn the root causes of addiction and learn coping strategies to avoid the triggers and temptations that led to their addiction. This helps patients avoid relapse after treatment so they can remain sober long after receiving help for their condition.

Common Causes of Relapse

The most common cause of relapse is being a recovering alcoholic! Triggers such as an emotional upset or unpleasant event may seem to cause a relapse. However, alcoholism, like any treatable disease or disorder, will resurface unless treatment is ongoing, in some capacity.

Insufficient Ability to Cope

Recovering alcoholics are still learning new coping mechanisms to replace their old habit of turning to the bottle at the slightest sign of trouble. In this light, even small daily stressors can seem like insurmountable obstacles to the newly sober addict.

Mental Cravings

Over the years, heavy alcohol or drug use takes its toll on the brain. While the physical cravings for alcohol may subside over time, the mental obsession rarely does.

Basically, alcohol use floods the brain with the feel-good neurotransmitter, dopamine, causing feelings of euphoria. After being bombarded with this happy-juice for long enough, the brain slows down its production of dopamine, in an attempt to regain a natural balance.

This results in a shortage of feel-good enzymes and an intense craving for more alcohol. The recovering addict needs to find a way to restore this balance with healthful, productive activities.

Emotional Fatigue

Emotionally, remaining sober after a lifetime of alcohol abuse is hard work and brings with it new responsibilities.

Facing up to the rigorous honesty of a recovery program takes courage and it is easy to see how the recovering alcoholic may prefer to escape back into the familiar, safe cocoon of drink.

Being sober is an alien and uncomfortable sensation for the newly recovering addict. Even those with many years of sobriety behind them experience an intense longing for the escape offered by alcohol from time to time.

What Happens If an Alcoholic Starts Drinking Again?

It can be extremely dangerous if an alcoholic starts drinking again after a period of sobriety since their body has gotten used to having no alcohol. The serious consequences of an alcoholic drinking again include:

Physical Health Risks

Rapid deterioration of liver function
Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
Potential organ damage accelerates
Compromised immune system

Mental Health Impact

Potential relapse into the addiction cycle
Increased depression and anxiety
Loss of previously developed coping mechanisms
Potential breakdown of support systems

Psychological Consequences

Feelings of guilt and shame
Potential loss of self-esteem
Disruption of recovery progress
Renewed cycle of addiction behaviors

Social and Personal Consequences

Potential damage to relationships
Risk of job loss or professional setbacks
Possible legal complications
Potential financial strain

Recovery Challenges

Harder to achieve sobriety again
It may require more intensive treatment
Potential need to restart the rehab process
Increased risk of more severe addiction patterns

Professional medical help is crucial if an alcoholic resumes drinking. Seeking immediate help from addiction specialists, counselors, or support groups can help lessen the risks and guide the person back toward recovery.

alcoholic relapse

Does One Drink Count As a Relapse?

While one drink may seem harmless, technically, for people in recovery from alcohol use disorder, consuming even a single alcoholic beverage is considered a relapse. It is considered a relapse because, in addiction recovery, it’s important to understand that addiction is a chronic disease where any return to substance use can potentially trigger a full regression into destructive drinking patterns. One drink can quickly lead to much more, which is why one drink or even one slip is not recommended for anyone in recovery.

If relapse does occur, it’s important to know what to do when an alcohol relapse occurs. The critical step is to seek help, recommit to recovery, and prevent further drinking. Professional support and immediate intervention are crucial in transforming a potential relapse into an opportunity for a renewed commitment to sobriety. People who become alcohol dependent before age 25 are less likely to ever seek treatment than those who become alcohol dependent at age 30 or older, according to a study supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

What Are the Odds of an Alcoholic Staying Sober?

Recovery statistics for alcoholism vary, but around 60 to 90% of people who have dealt with alcohol addiction will face at least one relapse at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Short-term remission rates vary between 20 and 50% among treated individuals, depending on the disorder’s severity, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Successful long-term recovery typically requires ongoing support, such as counseling or support groups. Factors influencing sobriety include personal motivation, support system, mental health, and treatment approach. Key factors of sustained sobriety include:

Early intervention
Comprehensive treatment
Addressing underlying mental health issues
Continuous engagement with recovery support groups

If relapse does occur, it’s important to learn how to help a loved one who has relapsed.

When Do Most Alcoholics Relapse?

An alcoholic relapse is common, and it will most often occur during the first six months following initial treatment, with critical periods typically occurring within the first 30 to 90 days of recovery. During this initial phase, people in recovery are most vulnerable due to lingering withdrawal symptoms, psychological triggers, and the challenge of developing new coping mechanisms to replace alcohol consumption.

Even after getting past this initial period, relapse potential remains significant years after initial recovery, with recovery a never-ending battle. While approximately 60 to 90% of recovering alcoholics will experience at least one relapse in their lifetime, the likelihood decreases gradually over time as they develop stronger recovery skills, build support networks, and address underlying mental health factors contributing to their addiction.

Find Help for an Alcoholic Relapse at Muse Treatment

Experiencing an alcoholic relapse does not mean the treatment did not work, or the person can never remain sober. Statistics show that the majority of people receiving treatment for alcohol addiction will experience some sort of relapse in their lifetime. The good news is that professional treatment help is available. Muse Treatment offers a wide range of alcohol addiction services in Los Angeles to ensure our patients receive the necessary support to overcome their dependence. Our Los Angeles addiction treatment facility offers detox, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare support groups to ensure every patient has access to the continued support needed to remain sober after leaving our rehab center. Please call Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 to discover more about how we can provide personalized treatment plans to overcome alcohol addiction today.