Beating Alcohol Addiction Relapse
Alcohol addiction relapse is a possibility for anyone with a history of alcohol dependence or abuse. Alcohol’s positive effects—short-lived euphoria and reduced anxiety—along with social pressures to drink and memories of great nights spent drinking, make alcohol relapse a near-constant threat. Further, in cases of extreme physical dependence, the discomfort associated with withdrawal is enough to keep a person in a downward spiral.
Alcohol addiction relapse: breaking the cycle
Many people who become addicted seek help and turn their lives around. The unfortunate statistic, however, is that about one-third of these people are expected to go through alcohol addiction relapse within the first year after treatment, and many more will relapse later in life.
Alcohol addiction relapse is a sad reality for many recovering addicts who have to kicked their drinking habits time and time again, only to pick up a bottle and start drinking. A recovering addict could go for months or even years being sober before relapsing and drinking again. As the process continues to happen, a recovering addict may feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of continued abuse.
Emotional distress, relationship difficulties, family problems, financial difficulties, craving, and being around others who use alcohol and drugs are all factors that can make the commitment to sober living following treatment more difficult. Any difficulties in these areas are strong predictors of relapse, according to a 1993 case study written by University of Minnesota researchers.
The report, which surveyed 1,918 patients following the completion of an alcohol treatment program, found that 37 percent reported using alcohol again within a year. Researchers gathered that most relapses occurred within 6 months after completing treatment, while 88 percent of patients who made it through the first six months remained sober for the year.
Patients who use other drugs, especially intravenously, had more trouble staying sober that those who abused alcohol only, according to the study. Patients with a history of antisocial behavior were also more likely to relapse.
To beat alcohol addiction relapse, recovering addicts have to be dedicated and focused on their goal of sobriety. Patients who participated in an aftercare program or attended weekly peer support groups were more likely to stay sober, according to the study.
The tools to beat alcohol addiction relapse
Alta Mira Recovery Programs can help you fight the fight of your life with a customized treatment program designed to beat alcohol addiction relapse and put you back in control.
Alta Mira employs a wide variety of the latest holistic and clinical methods to give you the tools necessary to fight alcohol addiction relapse—and win. Following a 30- or 60-day stay at our treatment center, patients will be invited to continue a lifelong relationship with Alta Mira and can take advantage of our unique post-treatment services:
- An in-depth phone call every month, for as long as the patients would like
- Two-day “tune-up” sessions where clients can visit and participate in therapy sessions and discuss their recovery plan
- Discounts for re-admission, should a patient relapse and need treatment
- Outpatient treatment and monitoring
If you think you or a loved one could benefit from alcohol rehab at Alta Mira Recovery Programs, please call 866-922-1350 today to schedule a free and confidential assessment with an addiction specialist.