Confronting An Alcoholic's Relapse: What To Do And Not Do

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a serious condition that can have devastating effects on the lives of those suffering from it and their loved ones. It is characterized by the inability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences. When an alcoholic starts drinking again after a period of sobriety, it is called a relapse. Relapses are common and can have severe impacts on the individual's health and well-being. Recognizing the signs of a relapse, such as behavioral changes and irritability, is crucial to helping the person get back on track. Understanding triggers and creating a relapse prevention plan are essential tools to support recovery and avoid high-risk situations. Treatment options, including therapy and medication, can help manage cravings and reduce alcohol consumption or achieve abstinence. Support groups and therapy can provide valuable guidance and coping strategies for both the alcoholic and their loved ones.

Recognise the signs of relapse

Recognising the signs of relapse is crucial to preventing a minor lapse from becoming a full-blown alcohol relapse. Relapse is often caused by stress or an unpleasant life situation, so it is important to be vigilant for any changes in behaviour or emotions that could indicate a person is at risk of relapsing.

Firstly, be aware of any situations that may act as triggers for substance use as a coping strategy. These could include insecure housing, professional or personal setbacks, social pressures, or social stigma. It could also be places, people, or social events associated with drinking.

Secondly, keep an eye out for changes in behaviour or thinking. For example, are they withdrawing from social interactions? Are they making excuses or justifying a return to drinking? Are they experiencing mood swings or overreacting to situations? Are they hiding how they're feeling from others? Are they constantly thinking about drinking or looking back fondly on their drinking days?

Thirdly, be aware of any physical or emotional triggers that could indicate a person is struggling with alcohol cravings. These could include feelings of stress, anger, sadness, hopelessness, or even boredom. It could also be exposure to alcohol, such as at a party or an all-inclusive resort.

Finally, it is important to remember that relapse is a common part of the recovery process and does not mean the person has failed. It is an opportunity to learn and adjust the treatment plan.

Understand the health implications

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a serious condition that can have detrimental effects on the body and mind. Understanding the health implications of alcoholism is crucial for both the individual suffering from the disease and their loved ones. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Brain and Nervous System

Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, affecting mood, behaviour, clear thinking, and coordination. Prolonged alcohol abuse can also lead to Korsakoff's syndrome, characterised by profound amnesia, gait abnormalities, and false memories.

Cardiovascular System

Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and heart disease. Heavy drinking can lead to cardiomyopathy, which involves the stretching and drooping of the heart muscle.

Liver

The liver is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol. Heavy drinking can cause fatty liver disease, liver inflammation (such as alcohol hepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis) and even liver cancer. Abstaining from alcohol for at least two weeks can help reverse fatty liver damage, and after six months of abstinence, the liver may fully recover.

Pancreas

Alcohol abuse causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas, impairing proper digestion.

Cancer

Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of several types of cancer, including oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, oesophageal, colorectal, liver, and breast cancer. Even moderate drinking increases the risk, with as little as one drink per day elevating the likelihood of breast cancer in women by 5% to 15%.

Immune System

Excessive drinking weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Mental Health

Alcoholism is associated with mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can also contribute to relationship problems, memory issues, and learning difficulties.

Relapse Risks

When an alcoholic relapses and starts drinking again, their body's tolerance for alcohol is typically lower than before. Returning to previous drinking levels can lead to blackouts and other dangers. This lowered tolerance is one of the highest risk factors for those who drink after achieving sobriety.

In summary, alcoholism has far-reaching health implications that affect multiple organs and body systems. Understanding these health consequences is essential for recognising the need for professional treatment and ongoing support for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.

Avoid enabling their behaviour

Enabling an alcoholic means doing things for them that they could do for themselves if they were sober. It often results in a dysfunctional dynamic where family and friends support the alcoholic's lifestyle and protect them from the consequences of their actions. This delays their opportunity to get help.

• Don't take over their responsibilities: If you are doing anything that your loved one would be doing if they were sober, you are enabling them to avoid their responsibilities. This includes doing chores, parenting, or any other responsibility that the alcoholic used to do before their drinking became a problem.
• Don't give them money: If you offer financial support to an alcoholic, you may be enabling them to spend more money on alcohol or drugs. Even if you say it's a loan, there's a risk that the money will be used for substances or that it won't be paid back.
• Don't drink with them: Using alcohol with someone who is misusing the substance will keep the cycle going and make the problem worse. Instead, suggest social activities that don't involve drinking and encourage healthier ways of coping with problems.
• Set boundaries: A boundary needs to be serious and firm. For example, instead of saying, "If you don't quit drinking, I will leave," say, "I will not have drinking in my home."
• Don't minimise the problem: Enablers may justify an alcoholic's behaviour by minimising the causes or effects of their drinking. It's important to recognise the problem and encourage the person to address the underlying causes.
• Seek support: Organisations like Al-Anon can help loved ones of people with alcohol use disorders to cope with their behaviours and understand their role in enabling them.

Encourage treatment and support groups

If someone you love is struggling with alcohol dependency, it is important to remember that it is not your fault. Alcoholism is a disease that affects the brain's chemistry, and it is not something that can be controlled by the person suffering from it. While it is natural to want to help your loved one, it is crucial to understand that they need outside professional help to get better.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious condition that often requires professional treatment to overcome. Treatment for AUD typically involves counselling, support groups, and medication. It is important to remember that recovery is a process and it may take multiple attempts for a person to successfully quit drinking.

One of the most well-known support groups for people with AUD is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is a mutual self-help group that provides peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. The group's approach to sobriety is centred around the 12 Steps, which are spiritual principles that members apply to their daily lives. These steps include admitting powerlessness over one's addiction, believing in a Higher Power for strength and restoring sanity, and making amends to those who have been harmed. AA meetings are typically guided by a facilitator and can be found in most communities and online.

In addition to AA, there are other support groups available, such as LifeRing and Secular Organizations for Sobriety. These groups offer a secular alternative to the spiritual support provided by AA. They provide a network of local and online groups dedicated to helping people achieve and maintain sobriety.

Encouraging your loved one to seek treatment and participate in support groups can be a crucial step in their recovery. These groups provide a sense of community and connection, reducing feelings of isolation and shame. They offer a safe space to share experiences, gain practical coping skills to help tame urges to drink and manage stress, and provide ongoing encouragement.

It is important to remember that recovery from alcoholism is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. As a loved one, you can play a vital role in supporting their recovery by setting clear boundaries, encouraging treatment, and providing emotional support. However, it is also essential to take care of yourself during this process and seek support from friends, family, or even a therapist if needed.

Know it's not your fault

Alcoholism is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition characterised by a person's inability to control their drinking. It is common for people with alcohol dependence to try to blame their drinking on circumstances or those around them. They may say something like, "The only reason I drink is because of you". It is important not to internalise this blame. If your loved one is truly dependent on alcohol, they are going to drink no matter what you do or say. It is not your fault.

Alcoholism can cause significant changes in brain chemistry, to the point that those suffering may not be in control of their decision-making. This can be extremely difficult for friends and family to witness. It is important to remember that it is not your responsibility to "cure" their alcoholism. They are responsible for their own recovery and will likely need professional treatment to get healthy again.

It is also important to know when to step back. When someone reaches a crisis point, this can be the moment they finally admit they have a problem and begin to reach out for help. If friends or family members intervene before this point, it can delay their decision to get help. It is very difficult to let a crisis play out, but sometimes it is the best thing to do.

You might feel like you have to keep this experience to yourself, but you are not alone. There are people all over the world going through the same thing. You can reach out to them for support, as well as seeking professional help. It is normal to feel scared, angry, or hurt by your loved one's alcoholism, and it is okay to express these feelings. However, it is important not to be judgmental or make ultimatums, as these usually backfire. Your loved one needs to find their own way to take the next step, and knowing they have your support will help them do that.

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