Can Recovering Alcoholics Ever Drink Again? Abstinence vs Moderation in Long Term Recovery 

Embarking on the journey to sobriety is an incredible accomplishment, but maintaining long-term recovery can be challenging. One of the most significant debates among recovering alcoholics is whether to practice complete abstinence or attempt moderate drinking after being sober. This blog post will delve into the nuances of both approaches, shedding light on the risks, benefits, and strategies to help individuals make informed decisions and maintain a fulfilling sober life. Navigating the journey of long-term recovery from alcohol addiction is a challenging but rewarding process.

Potential risks of alcohol

Some people may have a lower tolerance for beer or hard liquor or be more prone to addiction, making it more challenging to drink alcohol in moderation. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that can be difficult to control, and even small amounts of alcohol can trigger a relapse. Factors such as the severity of the addiction, mental and physical health, and social support networks play a crucial role in determining whether moderation is feasible.

Do I Have to Stay Sober Forever?

• If someone tells you that it’s fine for recovering alcoholics to drink in moderation, consider why this person is telling you this information.
• Options like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram help manage alcohol dependence.
• This means that the tolerance the drinker used to have is much lower from not drinking.
• For example, a study in Biological Psychiatry argues that “exaggerated reward center stimulation” puts some of us at greater risk than others — a predisposition that doesn’t disappear after a few months or years.
• Admittedly, I tend to leave these activities and go home a little earlier than I would have done previously.

Alcohol abuse can lead to lasting neurochemical changes in the brain, including altered dopamine and GABA activity, which affect pleasure, relaxation, and inhibition. These changes can persist long after alcohol consumption has stopped, increasing the risk of relapse if drinking resumes. Drinking after a period of sobriety can lead to a quick reestablishment of old habits and potentially more severe addiction.

• Meeting new people and building lasting relationships without any liquid courage wasn’t just fun and rewarding, it also validated the fact that drink-free me has plenty to offer.
• 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.

Is there anything more you’d like to say about your experience with medication treatment for alcohol use disorder?

While some may be able to maintain control over their drinking, for many, this is a risky proposition. As we mentioned before, the answer is not always straightforward. While moderate drinking is possible and achievable for some people after completing alcohol treatment and maintaining sobriety, many individuals with a history of alcohol abuse cannot. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, around 90% of people who abuse alcohol will experience a relapse within four years of receiving treatment.

• It is essential to acknowledge that when someone with an AUD starts drinking again, it is only prolonging the health issues, unhappiness, and instability that alcoholism causes for the drinkers and their loved ones.
• Most importantly, pay attention to your body, and be aware of the effects of alcohol on your mind and body.
• Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.
• These changes can persist long after alcohol consumption has stopped, increasing the risk of relapse if drinking resumes.

Jax Taylor Reveals Cocaine Addiction on ‘Hot Mic’ Podcast: ‘I’m Proud to Say I’m 83 Days Sober’ (Exclusive)

Recovery is lifelong, and a relapse can happen at any time, even after years of not drinking. With CBT, you learn that recovery is based on practicing coping skills, not willpower. You can discuss trigger situations with your Oxford House therapist and rehearse strategies to deal with them.

Can Alcoholics Ever Drink Again: Understanding the Risks and Possibilities

“Before we discovered hemp-derived beverages together, she often felt left out at social gatherings where drinking was the norm,” she told Fox News Digital. “Now, with a hemp-infused cocktail in hand, she’s part of the party — without the risk, the regret or the relapse.” People may perceive a substance as less harmful, but the risk of adverse consequences on the body depends on how that substance affects the individual, Poland added.

If someone knows their triggers, they can better avoid them and reduce their risk of a relapse. Drinking again after sobriety can also strain your relationships with friends and family. Loved ones who’ve supported you through your journey to recovery may feel hurt, betrayed, or worried about your well-being. Remember that you’re not alone in this, and seeking help from a support network or therapist can make a world of difference. Drinking after achieving sobriety can have some serious consequences, and it’s essential to be aware of them. First of all, it can lead to a relapse, where you find yourself trapped in the same cycle of addiction you worked so hard to break.

The Benefits of a Sober Life

Physical risks include withdrawal symptoms, potential for overdose, and the exacerbation of health issues like liver damage, heart problems, and neurological impairments. Psychologically, individuals with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at higher risk of developing alcoholism. Alcohol may initially serve as a self-medication mechanism, providing temporary relief from symptoms, but ultimately leading to dependency. The earlier the signs of an alcohol relapse are recognized in yourself or someone you love, the sooner you can take action. The sooner you take action, the greater the likelihood of maintaining long-term recovery. Warning signs of alcohol relapse can vary depending on the person.

Coping with Cravings and Triggers

Self-care can also mean taking better care of your emotional needs. Take time out for yourself, treat yourself with compassion, and let yourself have fun. As you likely know, alcohol can do a number on your brain, your liver, and your judgment. Here’s a quick overview of what happens when you stop drinking.

Think about things that led to or worsened this relapse and how to remove them from your life. If a trigger is unavoidable, consider what you can do differently next time you face it. If you can recognize the warning signs of each stage, you can take action to avoid a relapse. Taylor was put on Lexapro, which he said “didn’t do anything” except exacerbate his anger issues. He was properly diagnosed in treatment and told he wasn’t depressed.

• Alcoholic relapse after long term sobriety can feel overwhelming, but you can turn things around.
• For example, instead of a happy hour with coworkers, suggest going out for lunch instead.
• I remember watching an interview with the rock singer Alice Cooper, who struggled with an addiction to alcohol, as well as other substances, for many years.
• There’s no denying the fun that can come with drinking—the quick buzz, the fleeting sense of freedom, the uninhibited laughter.
• If an individual who is sober with an AUD stops taking care of themselves, it may be a sign that they have started drinking again.

It is possible to have an emotional relapse without having a single sip of alcohol. They eventually drink and feel a loss of control and a huge sense of guilt. The cycle then continues with alcohol used to numb the guilt, but eventually, the user’s guilt can become so unbearable that they stop drinking again. Alcoholism is often described in stages, from the initial phase of occasional binge drinking to the final stage of chronic alcohol dependence.

The longer an alcoholic stays sober, the better their chances are for long-term sobriety. Overall, among people sober for five years, the chances of relapsing are less than 15%, according to Psychology Today. It can be important to distinguish between a full-blown relapse and a slip-up. With a relapse, you fully go back into old patterns of out-of-control drinking, which can require going back into treatment and other steps to get back to sobriety.

It’s helpful to have a relapse prevention plan that considers these triggers, with specifically identified strategies to address them. People will often go through treatment and have a period of sobriety. But what happens if, after being sober, someone starts drinking again? An alcohol relapse means you go back to drinking regularly after having a period of sobriety without the use of alcohol. For extra support, sober living houses in PA offer structured environments that help people stay accountable. These homes provide stability, routine, and community, making it easier to avoid relapse.