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The dangers of relapse include potentially severe physical and mental reactions when substance use resumes. Alcohol abuse kills over 140,000 people in the U.S. every year. Death caused by alcohol poisoning, motor vehicle or other accidents, violence, suicide, and alcohol-related diseases make alcohol abuse the third most preventable cause of death in the United States. If you’re looking for an effective, alternative approach to alcohol treatment, we’re here whenever you need us. Learn more about how our program works, or sign up for a call today. For these individuals, medication-assisted treatment was a game changer, allowing them to finally establish a different relationship with alcohol.
My biggest motivation for cutting out alcohol was the impact this had on my mood. As I grew a bit older, the days after drinking started to feel unfamiliarly grey, and I hated how sluggish I felt. Jeanette Hu, AMFT, based in California, is a former daily drinker, psychotherapist, and Sober Curiosity Guide. She supports individuals who long for a better relationship with alcohol, helping them learn to drink less without living less. At the end of the day, alcohol is something your body has to fight off.
- The sooner you take action, the greater the likelihood of maintaining long-term recovery.
- Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that addressing one addiction can help individuals develop skills to overcome other addictive behaviors.
- The exploration of whether an alcoholic can ever drink again is nuanced, reflecting the individual differences in the experience and management of addiction and recovery.
Strengthening Sobriety to Prevent Future Relapse
At the same time, research has shown that the brain chemistry of individuals with a history of alcoholism and alcohol dependence may be permanently altered, making it more difficult for them to drink in moderation. The brain’s reward system becomes hyperactive when exposed to alcohol, which can lead to cravings and a loss of control. Someone’s appearance can also indicate if they have started drinking again. When an individual is dealing with an active addiction and drinks excessive amounts of alcohol every day, they do not look healthy. Their face may be red and blotchy, they may have a beer belly and look bloated.
How Alcohol Affects the Body and Brain
By cutting down on drink I’ve grown more confident and comfortable in who I am, and I now prefer the sober version of myself – a state of affairs 16-year-old me would scarcely believe. “The second thing is, when you’re really drunk, you put yourself at risk of other harms like falling over and getting beaten up, or doing stupid things like driving a car when you know you shouldn’t and crashing it. You get the cumulative harms of intoxication, which are very significant, so not being blind drunk is a good way of minimising harm,” explains Nutt. There are two main ways ditching alcohol has benefitted my health. Without any weekend drinking sessions in my schedule, I noticed this impact subsided after a couple of weeks, which is par for the course according to Professor Nutt.
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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.
To specifically answer the question, Can alcoholics drink in moderation? The first step to long-term sobriety is to safely rid your body Alcoholics Anonymous of alcohol (detoxification or detox), so it can start to regain normal function and balance. Detoxing from alcohol is potentially dangerous and should be conducted under close medical supervision. Research finds that participating in a support group improves your chances for long-term recovery. Not only do others in your support group understand what you are going through, but they also can provide valuable education and guidance, including tips on avoiding relapse. First, rather than viewing your relapse as a sign of failure, accept it as a step in your journey to sobriety that signals you need to revise your recovery approach.
Disulfiram, also known by the brand name Antabuse, was the first medication approved for treating alcohol use disorder. It works by making people feel ill when they drink, and is intended for people who wish to abstain from alcohol completely. Medication-assisted treatment is a method of treating substance use disorders through a combination of medication, counseling, and behavioral therapy. This approach looks at the entire individual, seeking to address both the biological and behavioral aspects of addiction.
Michigan-based Gamez shared that her mother battled alcoholism for years, where alcohol was the “real demon,” but was able to achieve more balance in her life when she found hemp-derived products. In 2019 and 2020, 72% of U.S. adults reported consuming one or more drinks per week, but less than half were aware of the link between alcohol and cancer risk, according to past studies. Previous research has linked alcoholic beverages to at least seven types of cancer, including the mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, liver, colon and breast.
Signs That An Alcoholic Has Started Drinking Again
These are common questions that many recovering alcoholics and their loved ones ask. While it is a tempting thought, the answer is not very straightforward. The reality is that alcoholism is a lifelong disease that can never truly be cured. It can, however, be managed with the right treatment and support. Once a person with AUD gets through the initial withdrawal process, most symptoms ease or stop, indicating the body is adjusting to the absence of alcohol. If the individual resumes drinking after the body has adapted to function without alcohol, they will find their tolerance has decreased.
What Happens When An Alcoholic Starts Drinking Again
Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. Support from others who understand what you’re facing can help. Group therapy offers a space to connect, share experiences, and learn from others. Hearing how others handle triggers and setbacks can give you new strategies for staying sober. Addiction is a lifelong condition, but recovery is always possible.
Next to each, add the techniques you and your therapist or support team have come up with to manage it. Taking the time to focus on yourself and your mental health is essential for successful recovery. Exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, while rest can help to restore energy and focus. Seeking therapy or counseling can provide a safe space to process emotions and gain insight into your triggers. The term “sober curious” simply means you are asking questions about the role of alcohol in your life.
For this reason, complete abstinence from alcohol is often necessary to manage alcohol addiction and prevent relapse. That being said, it is important to note that every individual’s journey to long-term recovery is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is also true that while many people who abuse alcohol may find it difficult to go back to controlled drinking or social drinking, it is not impossible for everyone.
Moreover, alcohol addiction itself alters brain chemistry and functioning, further compromising decision-making abilities. This underscores the importance of seeking support and guidance from healthcare professionals when navigating decisions about alcohol consumption post-treatment. It is also worth noting that not everyone can handle alcohol in the same way.