Can an Alcoholic Ever Drink Again? The Risks and Realities of Controlled Drinking
The constant battle to maintain control often outweighs any perceived benefit of drinking moderately. Occasional drinking refers to drinking alcohol infrequently and in small amounts, typically in social settings or on special occasions. For most people without alcohol use disorder, it means enjoying a drink now and then without experiencing negative effects or losing control. However, for someone in recovery or with a history of alcohol addiction, even occasional drinking can be risky, as it may trigger cravings and increase the chance of relapse.
What is Alcoholism?
- Even if someone is dedicated to abstinence, they are still at risk, especially when upsetting life events occur, and put them in a place where coping skills are needed.
- I no longer have any urge to drink and look at alcohol as poison.
- A person who has gone through an alcohol addiction is advised to never drink at all.
- People then must maintain their sobriety over the years by participating in aftercare and supportive programs, such as 12-step groups.
It usually requires professional treatment for people to become sober. People then must maintain their sobriety over the years by participating in aftercare and supportive programs, such as 12-step groups. Overconfidence is another psychological challenge in recovery.
Warning Signs of a Relapse
An alcohol relapse means you go back to drinking regularly after having a period of sobriety without the use of alcohol. Stress, trauma, or untreated mental health issues often play a role. Individual therapy helps you explore going back to drinking after being sober these deeper struggles and develop healthier coping skills.
Alcohol Relapse Statistics
Don’t let this situation or cravings make you feel down or like you haven’t achieved something amazing already. You can work on strengthening your coping skills to move past a mental relapse. Working with a therapist can be helpful during a period of mental relapse. When we think about a relapse, we tend to think about it as sudden, unexpected, and all at once.
Evidence-Based Treatment
- Support from others who understand what you’re facing can help.
- This slippery slope can make it extremely difficult for individuals to maintain control over their drinking habits, even if they initially intended to practice casual drinking.
- Identify what triggered it—stress, isolation, or overconfidence—and make changes.
Even if relapse isn’t inevitable for everyone, some people will what is alcoholism simply relapse while others won’t. 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. Emotionally, remaining sober after a lifetime of alcohol abuse is hard work and brings with it new responsibilities.
- If you go into rehab again, it’ll basically be like you’ve never had any treatment before.
- If they relapse, these negative emotions often intensify, creating a cycle of abstinence and relapse that is difficult to break without professional help.
- This plan should be discussed with a certified clinician who has experience with alcohol abuse.
It’s best to use Dry January as a reset and an opportunity to guide your drinking habits going forward.
Most importantly, reintroducing alcohol into your life should not be taken lightly. If you find yourself craving alcohol, never allow yourself to decide in the moment. People who drink heavily or who drink alone may choose to stop drinking for several months, a year, or longer, depending on their needs. Include the names of everyone on your medical and support teams and how to contact them.