Fairwinds Treatment Center
Treating Families for Over 30 Years

Contact Fairwinds Treatment Center

1-800-226-0301

    • Addictions
      • Treatment for Alcoholism
        • Alcoholism Tips for Families
        • Alcoholism Tips for Spouses
        • Alcoholism Infographic
      • Drug Addiction Treatment
        • Drug Addiction Warning Signs
        • Drug Addiction Tips for Parents
        • Drug Addiction Tips for Spouses
      • Prescription Medication
        • Benzodiazepine Addiction
        • Prescription Drug Infographic
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia Treatment
        • Warning Signs of Anorexia
      • Bulimia Treatment
        • Warning Signs of Bulimia
      • Teenage Eating Disorders
      • Male Eating Disorders
      • Compulsive Overeating
      • Nutrition Services
      • Eating Disorder Resources
        • Eating Disorder Tips for Spouses
        • Eating Disorder Tips for Parents
        • Anorexia Infographic
      • FAQ – Eating Disorders
    • Dual Diagnosis
      • Anxiety
      • Depression
      • Trauma Recovery
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
    • Levels of Care
      • Inpatient
      • Outpatient
      • Intensive Out-Patient Programs
        • IOP for Eating Disorders
        • IOP for Substance Abuse
      • Residential
      • Partial Hospitalization
      • Family Therapy
      • Detox
    • For Professionals
    • Why Fairwinds
      • Our Team
      • New Patient Information
        • Seeking Treatment
        • Treatment for a Loved One
        • For Professionals
        • Patient Assessment
        • Admissions Process
        • What to Expect
        • What Can I Bring to Treatment?
      • Photo Tour
      • Treatment Modalities
      • Accreditations
      • Testimonials
    • Insurance
    • Blog
    • Contact
      • Location & Directions
      • Careers
    X
    Be on the lookout for these four signs of alcohol relapse.
    May 30 2019

    4 warning signs of alcohol relapse

    Fairwinds Alcoholism

    Recovering from alcohol abuse can be a long journey. And along that road, many obstacles may appear. The reality is that relapses are an ever-present risk to those living life in recovery, even if they are staunch in the abstinence from substance use. Not every hurdle will be cleared with ease.

    According to a 2014 study from researchers in the Netherlands, nearly 6% of people relapse with alcohol after five years. Around 9% relapse within 10 years, and 12% within 20 years. A relapse does not mean the end of recovery, but it can be a setback. If you're worried about a loved one or yourself, look for these four signs that may lead to relapse:

    1. Increased stress

    Stress is among the most common — and most powerful — relapse triggers. Many turn to substances in the first place as a way to cope with stress, so living an alcohol-free life among increasingly stressful conditions can be difficult. Stress can come from a variety of sources, which makes it all the most challenging to address. Family tensions can contribute to stress, as can a hectic work schedule or personal life troubles.

    2. Reminiscing about drinking

    If stress like that is present, some may think longingly about their previous drinking. A throwaway line like "wish I could have a drink right about now" may be laughed off, but it could also be a red flag. It should be cause for alarm if you ever hear yourself or another say something to that effect, even if said in jest. The romanticizing of drinking or attached nostalgia can reverse the work done to refocus alcohol as a harmful substance and overall detriment to life.

    A relapse does not mean the end of recovery, but it can be a setback.

    A relapse does not mean the end of recovery, but it can be a setback.

    3. Recent trauma

    One devastating event might upend years of sobriety. The loss of a loved one and the associated grief can easily lead to relapse, for example. Other traumas can strain personal resolve, like car accidents or harrowing experiences (like an active shooter situation). When people are pushed to such extremes, the easiest relief may seem to be a drink. If you or someone you know undergoes a trauma, be sure to be especially vigilant in recognizing the risk for relapse.

    4. Social withdrawal

    Nobody can beat alcohol abuse on their own, which can make it particularly distressing if someone begins to withdraw socially. This is so for a couple of reasons:

    1. It can cut off support. Actively keeping up with sponsors, friends and family can keep an individual focused on their recovery and increase their self-esteem or determination. 
    2. It can signal resumption of drinking. Relapse can often lead to feelings of shame or guilt, which then cause some to avoid social settings or their loved ones. 

    Isolation can be damaging, so it's important to keep an eye on your own behavior, as well as that of others, to ensure the danger can be mitigated.

    Beating an alcohol use disorder is an involved and long-term effort, and not every relapse will mean the end of recovery. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today.

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental Illness Treatment What you need to know about eating disorders in men

    Related Posts

    5 Steps to Prepare for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

    Alcoholism, Drug Addiction

    5 Steps to Prepare for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

    Alcoholic treatment and recovery.

    Addictions, Alcoholism

    Alcoholic Treatment and Recovery

    Increased Drug & Alcohol Use During Covid-19

    Addictions, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction

    Increased Drug & Alcohol Use During COVID-19

    Fairwinds Treatment Center
    1569 S. Fort Harrison Ave
    Clearwater, FL 33756
    Phone: 727.449.0300 or 800.226.0301
    admissions@fairwindstreatment.com

    • Notice of Privacy Practices

    Contact Us Here

    Contact Us Home Page
    First
    Last