Why Does Alcohol Relapse Happen? Exploring the Causes and Solutions

Recovering from alcohol addiction is seldom a simple process. For many individuals, it involves a journey marked by progress, setbacks, and unforeseen obstacles. One of the most challenging and disheartening elements of this experience is the occurrence of an alcohol relapse.

Although relapses may be seen as a failures, they are actually a common aspect of recovery and can serve as valuable opportunities for personal growth and learning. Understanding why people relapse from alcohol is essential for addressing the root causes and finding effective solutions to prevent it from becoming a permanent setback.

Alcohol relapses occur for a variety of reasons, including physical, psychological, and environmental influences. Moreover, the process of relapsing typically unfolds gradually, occurring in several stages. By identifying the warning signs at each stage, individuals can regain their footing and potentially avert a full-blown relapse.

It’s essential to keep in mind that while experiencing a relapse can feel devastating and may lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and despair, it does not signify the end of one’s recovery journey. With newfound understanding and awareness of their addiction, anyone can find their way back and continue progressing toward lasting recovery.

What Are the Common Causes of Alcohol Relapse?

A relapse from alcohol occurs when an individual resumes drinking after a period of sobriety or abstinence. It happens when someone who has been working toward recovery from alcohol addiction or dependence falls back into old drinking habits.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) notes that relapses are particularly common during stressful times or when individuals encounter people or environments linked to their past drinking experiences. However, similar to how individuals with diabetes or asthma may experience flare-ups, a relapse can be viewed as a temporary setback in the journey toward complete recovery.

An alcohol relapse is a complex process that can be influenced by a variety of factors, often involving multiple elements that interact with each other. Some of the common causes of relapses from alcohol include:

• Triggers and Environmental Stressors – This can include situations or environments that remind the person of past drinking habits, such as social events where alcohol is served or high-pressure work environments, which can act as triggers. This makes knowing how to say no to alcohol while in recovery extremely important.
• Peer Pressure – Friends or acquaintances who continue to drink or encourage drinking can exert significant pressure, leading to a relapse.
• Emotional Stress – Elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression, or feelings of being overwhelmed can drive someone to drink again as a coping mechanism.
• Cravings – The brain undergoes chemical changes after extended alcohol use, resulting in intense cravings or urges to drink, which can persist long after one has stopped, making it difficult to resist temptation.
• Isolation and Lack of Support – A sense of disconnection can heighten the risk of relapse, as individuals may lack a strong support network to provide encouragement or understanding during their recovery.
• Overconfidence in Recovery – As time goes by in recovery, some individuals may mistakenly believe they can manage drinking in moderation, which can lead to a relapse.
• Lack of Coping Skills – Those who have not developed or practiced healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with emotions and daily challenges may find themselves relapsing when confronted with overwhelming situations.
• Withdrawal Symptoms – During early recovery, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can make them turn back to alcohol to alleviate the discomfort.

Does a Sip of Alcohol Count as a Relapse?

One of the most challenging aspects of recovery is grasping the concept of relapse and learning tips for preventing relapses. In the context of addiction recovery, what constitutes a relapse can differ based on an individual’s personal goals and the recovery model they adhere to. For some, having just one alcoholic drink might be seen as a relapse, while others may view it as merely a slip-up. A slip-up is typically an impulsive, one-time event that happens unexpectedly.

In contrast, a true relapse involves a pattern of repeated drinking behaviors. While a single sip or drink may not lead to a full-blown return to addiction, a relapse certainly does. Recognizing that a relapse carries far more weight and risk than a slip-up or lapse is important. Often, relapses can begin with a slip-up, especially if one fails to take the necessary steps to prevent the behavior from escalating.

It’s crucial not to label a slip as a total failure. A sip of alcohol can be a moment of vulnerability and an opportunity to assess what led to that choice. Recovery is often about learning from these experiences, seeking support, and re-engaging with the tools that support sobriety.

What Are the Warning Signs That an Alcohol Relapse May Be Imminent?

GoodRx highlights that while not everyone experiences it, some individuals may go through a series of stages during a relapse from alcohol: emotional, mental, and physical. In the emotional stage, a person might not consciously think about drinking but could be grappling with mental health issues.

The mental stage involves the resurgence of thoughts about consuming alcohol. Finally, the physical stage is when the individual actually starts drinking again. By recognizing the warning signs in the first two stages, a person can potentially prevent a relapse and seek the necessary support. Common indicators of an impending relapse include:

• Heightened cravings for alcohol
• Withdrawing from friends and family or isolating oneself
• Experiencing significant stress, anxiety, depression, or unresolved emotional challenges
• Feeling overly confident in one’s ability to drink without reverting to previous habits
• Neglecting recovery practices, such as missing therapy appointments
• Spending increased time in places where alcohol is available
• Idealizing past drinking experiences
• Feeling overwhelmed or stressed by minor obstacles or setbacks
• Engaging in actions that contradict recovery efforts
• Conflicts in relationships

How Can a Relapse Be Prevented?

Preventing relapse is essential for achieving lasting sobriety. As noted by the National Library of Medicine, three widely recognized strategies for relapse prevention include therapy and skill-building, medication, and ongoing monitoring.

One of the most effective methods to steer clear of relapse is to cultivate healthy coping strategies for managing stress and triggers. This might involve engaging in mindfulness practices, meditation, yoga, or regular physical activity. Recognizing individuals, environments, or circumstances that may provoke the urge to drink is vital, as is finding ways to either cope with or completely avoid these triggers.

Many people in recovery discover that establishing routines and a structured daily schedule can offer stability and a sense of purpose, which in turn helps mitigate cravings and alleviate stress. Setting short-term and long-term goals can also be beneficial, providing motivation and a feeling of achievement. Additionally, medications can play a role in diminishing cravings and the urge to drink, especially when combined with ongoing therapy and participation in support groups.

How Resurgence Behavioral Health Can Help You Prevent Alcohol Relapse

Rehabilitation programs are crafted to assist individuals in overcoming alcohol use disorder (AUD) by offering a variety of therapeutic, medical, and emotional support services. Although some people manage to recover on their own, joining a rehab program typically leads to higher success rates for maintaining long-term sobriety.

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive programs designed to identify and address the root causes of addiction through evidence-based therapies. Our committed team of professionals collaborates closely with each patient to develop tailored support and strategies that promote enduring recovery and minimize the chances of alcohol relapse.

If you or a loved one is facing challenges with alcohol addiction or dependence, reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health at 855-458-0050 to learn how our rehab programs can guide you toward lasting recovery.

External Sources

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) – Understanding Relapse
• GoodRx – How to Spot the Warning Signs of a Substance Use Relapse – and What to Do About It
• National Library of Medicine – Addiction Relapse Prevention

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial