Alcohol Relapse Prevention

Alcohol addiction is an addiction that is often overlooked but can, and often does, result in fatality. These fatalities have made alcohol one of the top three causes of preventable death in the United States. It is challenging, to say the least, to fight an addiction as habit-forming and socially acceptable as alcoholism. Fortunately, because it is so common, there are many alcohol treatment options available. However, about 90% of alcohol addicts will fall victim to an alcohol relapse after recovery.

There are many factors that play a part in an alcohol relapse. Individuals who suffer from severe alcohol addictions may find themselves having a harder time staying sober. Many people experience cravings to alcohol in different ways, and depending on how an addiction is handled, treated and  followed up on, a relapse may or may not occur. Often times, a person will underestimate the intensity of their addictionand ignore the warning signs. In their mind, the idea of drinking alcohol may be held in a euphoric sense – a constant but ignored temptation. It is unhealthy to deal with anything in that way, more so something as dangerous as an alcohol addiction.

The goals of relapse prevention are fairly straightforward: to identify the behavioral choices that steered the individual toward recovery in the first place, create an outline of options to help manage the difficulties you will encounter while staying sober, and lastly create a plan for maintaining a sober lifestyle. To create this plan, an alcohol addict must recognize all of the intricate details that point toward their possible alcohol relapse. These details are usually very personal and going to an Alcohol Anonymous group meeting can be very helpful to know that you are not alone in your fight against alcohol relapse. There are two main factors that will draw an addict back to their addiction: direct and remote. Direct factors consist of things such as people, places or events associated with drinking alcohol. Remote factors are linked to internal triggers such as dysfunctional thinking patterns, behaviors, or feelings.

Creating and participating in an alcohol relapse prevention program will hone in on these factors as they are individual to you and what you’re going through. Having this plan will help you identify these problems, but more importantly, how to deal with and recognize them when they are bearing down on you at the turning point of your recovery. If you feel that you are in need of a treatment program or are at risk of an alcohol relapse, create a relapse prevention plan with a sponsor, therapist, counselor, or someone who you trust and who knows you well. You will not regret staying sober, but you will regret falling off the wagon on your way to a productive and healthy life.

Alcohol Relapse Prevention