Theo Nash
Alcohol relapse is a common part of the journey to sobriety, with up to 90% of people in alcohol recovery relapsing at least once. A relapse is when a person returns to drinking after a period of sobriety, and it can be triggered by social and environmental cues, such as coming into contact with objects, smells, or places associated with alcohol. While a lapse is a brief slip, a relapse is a full-blown return to drinking. People who have relapsed may need detox, particularly if they are at risk of severe withdrawal, but less intensive treatment options are also available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Relapse rate among people in alcohol recovery | Up to 90% of people in alcohol recovery relapse at least once before taking full control of their addiction |
| Nature of relapse | A gradual process that typically progresses through 3 stages: emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse |
| Emotional relapse | Failing to cope with emotions in a healthy way, bottling up feelings, isolating oneself, neglecting self-care |
| Mental relapse | Alcohol cravings, glamorizing past alcohol use, thinking about people, places, and things linked with past use, lying, looking for relapse opportunities, planning a relapse |
| Physical relapse | Occurs due to various triggers, such as stress, environmental cues, or emotional vulnerabilities |
| Treatment after relapse | Detox, inpatient, and outpatient programs, behavioral therapies, medication, alternative therapies, psychological help, self-care routines |
| Relapse prevention | Learning from mistakes, building a positive self-image, setting future goals, avoiding triggers, developing coping strategies |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol relapse is common
Alcohol relapse is a common occurrence during recovery from alcohol dependence. It is estimated that about two-thirds of individuals treated for alcohol use disorder (AUD) will relapse within the first six months. This is comparable to relapse rates for other chronic conditions such as hypertension and asthma, which range from 50 to 70%.
Relapse is not a sign of weakness or failure but rather a normal part of the recovery process. It is often a gradual process that progresses through three stages: emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse. During the emotional relapse stage, individuals may begin to neglect their self-care, bottle up their feelings, isolate themselves, and deny their problems. This is followed by the mental relapse stage, where individuals struggle between wanting to use alcohol and staying sober, experiencing cravings and glamorizing their past alcohol use. The final stage, physical relapse, is when individuals start drinking alcohol again due to triggers such as stress, environmental cues, or emotional vulnerabilities.
There are various factors that can contribute to an alcohol relapse. Social and environmental triggers, such as seeing a friend who uses drugs or visiting places associated with past alcohol use, can be strong influences. Personal challenges, such as problems at work, financial hardship, rejection by social support networks, and issues in personal relationships, can also increase the risk of relapse. Additionally, pre-existing mental health or emotional issues, as well as poor physical health, can play a role in triggering substance use as a coping mechanism.
It is important to recognize that relapse is a common part of recovery and should be used as an opportunity to learn more about one's triggers and reinforce or modify treatment plans to prevent future relapses. Behavioral therapies, for instance, can help individuals develop skills to manage stress, cravings, and triggers, ultimately reducing the likelihood of relapse.
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Triggers and cravings
Relapses usually occur in three stages: emotional, physical, and the final action. During the emotional relapse stage, an individual may start to neglect their emotions and self-care, bottle up their feelings, isolate themselves, and deny their problems. This stage can happen weeks or months before the actual relapse and is often triggered by certain thoughts, feelings, and events that remind the person of drugs and alcohol.
People, places, and things associated with past drinking are common triggers for alcohol relapse. For example, seeing a friend or family member that one used to drink with, or visiting a place where one frequently drank, can spark strong cravings and urges to drink. Certain moods and emotional states can also trigger a desire to drink. Negative emotions and high-stress levels can cause individuals to turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication, as it reduces the intensity of these negative emotions and creates pleasurable sensations. Positive emotions, such as happiness and excitement, can also trigger cravings, as alcohol may seem like a way to enhance the celebration.
To manage triggers and cravings effectively, it is crucial to first identify and acknowledge them. Understanding the connection between triggers and cravings is essential for limiting the risk of relapse. This can be achieved through behavioural therapies that teach individuals to modify unhealthy beliefs about drug and alcohol use and provide skills to manage stress, cravings, and triggers.
While it may not be possible to stop all cravings, taking proactive measures, such as avoiding triggers and developing healthy coping mechanisms, can empower individuals to maintain their sobriety and recovery. It is important to note that relapses can provide an opportunity to reflect on addiction and find new strategies to sustain long-term sobriety.
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Emotional relapse
Relapse is a common occurrence during recovery from alcohol use disorder. It is a process that occurs in three stages: emotional, mental, and physical. Emotional relapse is the first phase of the three phases of relapse. During this stage, the person is not actively thinking about consuming alcohol. However, their emotions and behaviours may be setting them up for a relapse in the future.
Some of the warning signs of emotional relapse include:
- Failure to cope with emotions in a healthy way
- Bottling up feelings
- Isolating oneself from others
- Denying the existence of problems
- Neglecting self-care
- Experiencing internal conflict or guilt
If a person has ongoing emotional issues, they may need to use additional strategies to aid their recovery and prevent relapse. This may include finding the right mix of medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, with the help of a medical professional. Alternative tactics that encourage a more holistic wellness approach, such as meditation, mindfulness-based therapies, or yoga, can also be beneficial. Psychological help, such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be crucial in preventing relapse by teaching individuals how to overcome negative thinking.
To prevent getting stuck in the emotional relapse stage, it is important to gain self-awareness through self-reflection. Journaling can be a helpful way to start this process. Asking oneself self-reflective questions, such as comparing one's current self-care and behaviours to those during active alcohol use, can provide valuable insights. Recognising that one is in the emotional relapse stage and taking immediate action to change one's behaviour is crucial. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can help reduce tension, irritability, cravings, anger, and anxiety. Surrounding oneself with supportive loved ones, attending self-help group meetings, and seeking professional help are also important steps in preventing relapse.
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Physical relapse
Relapse is a common occurrence on the road to recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is defined as a return to substance use after a period of abstinence. Relapse can be dangerous if an individual's tolerance has decreased during abstinence, as using the same quantity of the substance can lead to an overdose.
The relapse process can be understood through three stages: emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse. Physical relapse is the final stage, where an individual starts drinking alcohol again after a period of sobriety. This stage can be triggered by various factors, including stress, environmental cues, and emotional vulnerabilities.
Identifying the triggers and understanding the occurrence of relapse is crucial for long-term management and recovery. Strategies such as avoiding certain people, places, and situations associated with alcohol use can be effective in preventing physical relapse. Additionally, building a strong support network of friends, family, and professional services can provide support and help avoid negative behaviours.
Self-care and a balanced lifestyle are essential. Addressing physical health and mental health needs can reduce the risk of relapse, as poor physical health and mental health issues can trigger substance use. This includes finding the right medication and incorporating holistic wellness practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.
It is important to note that relapse is a normal part of the recovery process, and individuals can seek help and strengthen their treatment plans before a physical relapse occurs. Professionals can assist in identifying the initial stages of relapse and provide support to increase self-care and reframe thinking patterns.
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Treatment options
Detoxification is the first step in treating alcohol dependence, but it is not a treatment in itself. Detox can be done in an inpatient setting, where the patient lives at a hospital, detox clinic, or rehab centre, or as an outpatient, where the patient receives treatment during the day but lives at home. Inpatient treatment is generally more expensive and offers more services, while outpatient treatment is less expensive and may be a good option for those with mild or moderate alcohol withdrawal, good physical and mental health, a stable home, and a strong support system.
Following detox, further treatment and support are necessary for long-term recovery. This may include medication such as acamprosate (brand name Campral), which helps prevent relapse by reducing alcohol cravings, usually in combination with counselling. Disulfiram (brand name Antabuse) is another medication that can be used to prevent relapse by causing unpleasant physical reactions if the patient consumes alcohol. Naltrexone is another medication that can prevent relapse by blocking opioid receptors in the body, stopping the effects of alcohol. It is also usually used in combination with other medicine or counselling.
Behavioural therapies can also help prevent future relapses by teaching patients to modify unhealthy beliefs about drug use and providing skills to manage stress, cravings, and triggers. Individual and group therapy can also help patients learn healthy coping skills, de-stress, and set and achieve positive goals.
The treatment options for alcohol misuse depend on the extent of drinking and whether the patient is trying to reduce drinking (moderation) or give it up completely (abstinence). Brief interventions, lasting about 5 to 10 minutes, may be offered to cover the risks associated with drinking patterns, advice on reducing alcohol intake, alcohol support networks, and any emotional issues around drinking.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they do not always need detox. However, detox is often a treatment option for those who have relapsed. Other treatment options include inpatient and outpatient programs, behavioural therapies, and psychological help.
A relapse is when a person returns to drinking alcohol after a period of sobriety. It is a normal part of the recovery process and should not be seen as a failure.
A relapse typically progresses through three stages: emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse. During the emotional relapse stage, a person's emotions and behaviours begin to lead them towards drinking again. The mental relapse stage involves the internal struggle between wanting to drink and wanting to stay sober. The final stage, physical relapse, is when the person starts drinking again.
It is important to remember that a relapse is not a failure and that your loved one has made progress in their recovery. Offer your support and understanding, and help them to seek professional help if needed. Encourage them to view the relapse as an opportunity to learn more about their triggers and to reinforce or modify their treatment plan.
To prevent a relapse, it is important to address any underlying emotional, physical, or mental health issues that may be triggering substance use. This may involve finding the right mix of medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, or exploring alternative therapies such as meditation, mindfulness, or yoga. Developing self-care routines for diet, exercise, and rest can also help to prevent relapse.
