Relapse during recovery from alcoholism is common, but it can also feel discouraging to the person in recovery. It is important to remember that relapses are part of the recovery process and do not mean that you have failed.
If you are worried about alcohol relapse, the alcohol addiction treatment program at The Right Step Houston can help. Call us at 17135283709 for more about how we can help.
What Is Alcohol Relapse?
A relapse is defined as a return to drinking after trying to quit. There are many reasons why someone may relapse during recovery, including:
- Stress
- Boredom
- Access to alcohol
- Triggers and temptation
For some people, relapse may mean drinking once after being sober for a long period of time. For others, it may mean falling back into old patterns of drinking. No matter how severe the relapse is, it is essential to remember that it does not mean you have failed at recovery.
3 Myths About Alcohol Relapse
There are some myths about alcohol relapse that can steer you in the wrong direction when it comes to alcohol relapse. Here are three of the most unfortunate misconceptions about alcohol relapse:
1. Relapse during recovery is inevitable
This is not true! While relapse is common, it does not mean that it is inevitable. In fact, with the right treatment and support, you can avoid relapse altogether.
The belief it is could make it a self-fulfilling prophecy after an alcoholic relapse; how can you help the individual by letting them know that relapse is only a risk and not a certainty? Tell them if they keep their eyes on the prize and focus on taking it one day at a time, they can preserve their sobriety indefinitely.
2. Relapse starts with the first drink
Relapse is a persistent risk, but it is not based on a spontaneous decision to drink. Folks in recovery are conscious of the risk of relapse, and they struggle to avoid it; when it happens, you can be sure they’ve been listening to the voice of temptation for quite some time.
As someone who cares and wants to help, you should encourage yourslef or a loved one in your life to:
- Acknowledge and talk about their feelings openly and honestly, right from their first day out of rehab.
- Find a strong support system to help them stay on track.
- Identify and avoid their triggers.
- Talk to their doctor or therapist about any medications they may need to help with cravings or anxiety.
Relapse generally emerges from the shadows but only after lurking for a while beforehand, and if you keep the spotlight shining into the darkest corners, it will prevent an ambush from occurring.
3. Relapse means having to restart
The insights into substance abuse picked up during rehab can be temporarily ignored, but they won’t be forgotten just because an one suffers a relapse. Recovery stops during relapse and resumes again the very minute someone stops drinking, which is the attitude you should encourage in your interactions with your loved one. A person who relapses should be disappointed and try to learn from their disappointment so they don’t make the same mistake again. But they shouldn’t be discouraged. Relapse happens a lot, and it should be seen as a brief setback, not as a tragedy or a long-term disaster. After a relapse, your loved one will need all of the hopeful words and inspirational advice you can manage, and it will be much easier for them to move past their failure if they stay upbeat and confident about the future.
Prevent Alcohol Relapse at The Right Step Houston
Alcohol relapse doesn’t have to occur, and it doesn’t have to define you. The Right Step Houston’s alcohol addiction treatment program can help you get your life back on track. Reach out online or by calling 17135283709 today.
