Noah Vinter
Alcohol relapse is when a person who has been through alcohol addiction treatment returns to alcohol after a period of sobriety. It may be a one-time lapse or a sustained return to drinking, but it can seriously affect a person's confidence or cause them to feel like they have failed. Relapses are often caused by stress or unpleasant life situations, so it is important to create a calm, positive environment for the person and offer support without being pushy or making them feel guilty. Understanding alcoholism, being aware of addiction relapse signs, and offering emotional support are key ways to help an alcoholic who has relapsed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Understanding | Understand that relapse is common and that recovery is a journey with setbacks. Know that addiction is a multi-faceted condition with underlying emotional and psychological causes and triggers. |
| Patience | Be patient and non-judgmental. |
| Positivity | Remain positive and supportive. Remind the person of their progress and that relapse is not failure. |
| Calm | Create a calm environment and be empathetic, yet clear-headed. |
| Conversation | Choose the right time and place to talk. Ensure the conversation is devoid of distractions and interruptions. |
| Language | Use "I" statements to communicate your feelings without sounding accusatory. |
| Action | Remove alcohol from the home. Encourage the person to contact their sponsor or therapist, or offer to accompany them to a meeting. |
| Prevention | Be aware of relapse prevention techniques and triggers. |
| Professional Help | Encourage the person to seek professional help and ongoing support. |
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What You'll Learn
Understand alcoholism and relapse
Alcohol use disorder is when a person can't stop drinking even when it puts their health and safety at risk. A relapse occurs when a person returns to drinking after a period of sobriety. It is different from a lapse, which is a temporary and brief "slip" where a person may have a drink but then stops again. A relapse is a full-blown return to drinking. It is a slow process that occurs in three stages: emotional, mental, and physical.
During the emotional relapse stage, a person is not actively thinking about drinking. However, their emotions and behaviours may be setting them up for a relapse in the future. They may feel discontent, restless, and irritable. They may also experience unresolved emotions and a failure to take care of themselves, which can lead to a relapse. This can then lead to the second stage—mental relapse. During this stage, the person constantly thinks about drinking. They may look back fondly on their drinking days and start thinking about ways to allow themselves to drink. They may also experience negative thinking, such as believing that they can't quit or that recovery takes too much effort.
The third stage is the physical phase, when the person acts on their thoughts and has a drink. By this stage, it is very hard to stop yourself from drinking. However, if you can recognize the warning signs of each stage, you can take action to avoid a relapse. This may include seeking support from friends, family, or a support group, as well as seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a commonly used treatment that can help prevent relapses by teaching individuals how to overcome negative thinking and providing them with skills to manage stress, cravings, and triggers.
It is important to understand that relapse is a common part of the recovery process and is not a sign of weakness or failure. It can be a powerful learning experience and help clarify the situations that a person may need to avoid or manage differently. Managing relapse is part of the long-term strategy of alcohol recovery, and it may take several attempts to find the right management strategies.
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Identify triggers and warning signs
Alcoholism is a complex brain condition with various underlying emotional, psychological, and physical causes and triggers. Understanding alcoholism, being aware of addiction triggers and relapse signs, and offering emotional support are crucial when helping an alcoholic who has relapsed.
Relapses occur when a person stops maintaining their goal of reducing or avoiding alcohol and returns to their previous drinking levels. Relapses can be triggered by emotions, a lack of direction, the newness of recovery, stress, a lack of routine, poor mental health, or exposure to people or places associated with past drinking.
To identify triggers and warning signs, it is essential to talk regularly with the person in recovery. Some questions to consider include:
- Are they withdrawing from social interactions?
- Are they making excuses or justifying their alcohol consumption?
- Are they experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings or overreacting to situations?
- Are they in denial about their addiction or questioning the merits of recovery and sobriety?
- Are they experiencing compulsive thoughts that may increase their risk of further alcohol abuse?
By recognizing these warning signs, you can intervene early and provide the necessary support to prevent a full-blown relapse or help them get back on track.
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Create a calm, positive environment
Creating a calm, positive environment is a crucial step in helping an alcoholic who has relapsed. Here are some detailed suggestions to achieve this:
Firstly, it is important to remain calm and positive yourself. Remind yourself that relapse is a common part of the recovery journey and does not equate to failure or weakness. Take a deep breath and try to put yourself in their shoes to better understand their perspective and experiences.
Next, choose an appropriate time and place to have a conversation. Ensure the environment is quiet, non-threatening, and free from distractions. Be empathetic, patient, and understanding. Avoid asking "why" as this may increase defensiveness and a sense of guilt. Instead, focus on having an open and non-judgmental conversation about the events leading up to the relapse, acknowledging any triggers or challenges they faced.
Maintain a clean and alcohol-free living space to reduce temptations and triggers. Encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours such as adequate sleep, nutritious meals, and engagement in positive hobbies and activities. Support them in setting short-term goals and building a positive self-image. Offer to accompany them to meetings or therapy sessions, and encourage them to connect with their support network, including their sponsor or therapist.
Remember, it is essential to respect their autonomy and boundaries. Provide support and suggestions without becoming a crutch or attempting to control their recovery. Communicate your willingness to help while also setting clear boundaries on what behaviours you can and cannot accept. Offer love, empathy, and optimism throughout their journey towards long-term sobriety.
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Offer non-judgemental support and encouragement
Offering non-judgemental support and encouragement is a key part of helping an alcoholic who has relapsed. It is important to remember that relapses are common and often occur due to uncontrollable stress, a lack of routine, or poor mental health. Understanding this can help you approach your loved one with empathy and compassion.
To offer non-judgemental support, it is crucial to choose the right time and place to talk. Ensure that your friend or family member is sober and in a quiet, non-threatening environment without distractions or interruptions. This conversation may be a turning point for them, so their comfort and sense of safety should be a priority. When expressing your concerns, use "I" statements, such as "I've noticed you've been drinking more lately, and I'm concerned about you," rather than accusatory "you" statements, which may put them on the defensive.
Remember that addiction is a multifaceted condition with underlying emotional and psychological causes and triggers. Try to put yourself in their shoes to better understand their struggles and offer meaningful support. Be patient, understanding, and committed to not enabling their addictive behavior. Encourage them to seek professional help, such as therapy or support groups, and offer to accompany them if they feel more comfortable.
It is also important to maintain a calm and positive attitude. Remind your loved one of their progress and achievements, and ensure they know that a relapse is not a sign of failure but a hurdle to overcome. Offer suggestions and encourage them to take action, such as contacting their sponsor or therapist, or seeking additional support from friends or family.
By offering non-judgemental support and encouragement, you can help your loved one navigate the challenging terrain of relapse and work towards their recovery.
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Seek professional help and guidance
Seeking professional help and guidance is an important step in supporting a loved one who has relapsed in their alcohol addiction. It is important to remember that addiction is a complex brain condition with various underlying emotional, psychological, and physical causes and triggers. Professional help can provide the expertise and resources needed to effectively address these factors and support your loved one in their recovery.
When seeking professional help, it is essential to find a qualified and experienced provider who can offer a comprehensive approach to treatment. This may include therapy, education, relapse prevention techniques, and ongoing support. Many organizations, such as the Rehab Clinics Group, offer a range of services, including alcohol detox plans, addiction rehab programs, and long-term recovery support. These programs can provide your loved one with the tools and strategies they need to manage their addiction and maintain sobriety.
In addition to seeking professional treatment, it is also crucial to create a strong support network for your loved one. This may include friends, family, a family doctor, or support groups specifically for people in recovery. Having a supportive community can help your loved one feel less isolated and more accountable in their recovery journey. It is also important to educate yourself about alcoholism, relapse signs, and how to manage temptation. This will enable you to better understand what your loved one is going through and provide more effective support.
If your loved one is experiencing unusual or significant symptoms, it is important to seek medical support. Relapse can be dangerous, especially if the person has not used alcohol for a long time. Medical professionals can provide the necessary care and ensure your loved one's safety during this critical time. Additionally, they can help address any underlying physical health issues that may be contributing to the relapse.
Finally, remember that recovery is a journey, and relapses are common and do not undo the progress made. With the right professional help, support, and commitment, your loved one can get back on track and achieve long-term sobriety. It is important to remain patient, compassionate, and non-judgmental throughout this process, offering emotional support and encouragement along the way.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to approach them with a patient, compassionate, empathetic, calm, and caring attitude. Offer emotional support and create a calm, positive, quiet, non-threatening, and safe environment for them.
Express your concern without judgement or blame. Use 'I' statements to communicate your feelings, such as "I've noticed you've been drinking more lately, and I'm concerned about you". Remind them of the incredible progress they have made and that relapse is a common part of the long-term recovery process.
Some signs to look out for include withdrawal from social interactions, making excuses to sabotage their alcohol recovery, experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, denial about their alcohol addiction, mood swings, questioning the merits of recovery or sobriety, and increased alcohol consumption.
Remove any alcohol from their surroundings and encourage them to seek professional help or contact their sponsor or therapist. Offer to accompany them to meetings and support them in working towards their recovery. Understand that relapse is a common occurrence and be prepared to help manage and prevent future relapses.
