How to Manage an Alcohol Relapse

How to Manage an Alcohol Addiction Relapse

10/23/2019

Over time, and with support, many people do manage to overcome a substance abuse problem, but it’s not uncommon for relapses to happen throughout the recovery process. This article will outline strategies to take to help manage alcohol addiction relapses and includes links to other articles on the topic of addiction as well as a free downloadable support network printable. #alcohol #addiction #relapse #strategies #recovery

|An addiction can be very hard to overcome, especially when you are dealing with a substance like alcohol. Over time, and with support, many people do manage to overcome a substance abuse problem, but it’s not uncommon for relapses to happen throughout the recovery process.

Overcoming an addiction, therefore, must include relapse management while in recovery from an addiction from a substance such as alcohol. This article will outline suggestions on how to stay on track throughout the recovery process, even if relapses happen. If you need more information about how to recognize addiction, please refer to this earlier post from the blog.

Please note: The information contained in this article is not professional health advice. If you are concerned about your health, please seek professional support from a doctor or hospital. This is a collaborative post.

How to Manage an Alcohol Addiction Relapse

Here’s what you can do if you, or someone you know, is struggling with alcohol relapse. Also be sure to get help immediately if you are concerned about your own safety, or the safety of others.

Make It Hard to Buy Alcohol

You may not be able to stop drinking, but you can take steps to stop buying alcohol. With online shopping making it even easier to purchase alcohol, try to make the process harder. Introduce barriers like having to actually walk to the store to buy alcohol.

Delete your credit card information online and in digital wallets. This will stop one-click payments and prompt you to actually type in your card numbers when you want to buy something. Inconvenient, but exactly what you need to stop an alcohol spending spree when you are feeling down.

Protect Yourself from Legal Trouble

Rule number one — don't drink and drive! This is very important to remember if you are struggling with alcohol after a period of being sober. Keep in mind that getting arrested when drunk would result in very serious charges. Unlike a minor speeding ticket, a drunk driving charge would gain you a criminal record.

There are steps you can take to prevent a situation where you are behind the wheel after drinking. If you go out to drink, take a taxi, or rideshare if this is available in your area. This way, when you are finished your night out, you will have to call for another ride to take you home instead of mindlessly getting in your own car.

If you do find yourself behind the wheel and in legal trouble, make sure you have a Toronto DUI lawyer from TorontoDUI.com ready to represent you in court. You may also require a bail bondsman to avoid spending time in actual jail. It may require some time for you to overcome your substance abuse problem, but make sure you don’t end up in serious legal trouble during this time by taking these steps.

Don’t Stop Getting Help

A relapse can be embarrassing for some, especially if you have told people you are sober. It's okay to feel these emotions, but know that relapse is very common and and you do not need to go through this alone. Even if you have relapsed, don’t stop getting help. In fact, this might be the time you need it the most. Keep going to your sober meetings or counselling, or look for this support to begin with. Just showing up can be an important step to inspire you to quit.

You might be able to get special help for your tendency to relapse. But you will need to ask for it first. So don’t shun help even if you feel particularly embarrassed by the situation you are in.

Eliminate the Stress from Your Life

Addicts don’t relapse out of nowhere. Your episode may have been caused by a stressful trigger in your life. Try to identify this trigger and try to make changes. For example, if a past relationship has suddenly come back into your life, cut these ties and causing you to relapse, consider cutting these ties for good. If your job is making you crave drinking once more, consider making a change. These can be difficult changes to make, but less stress in your life can make it easier to recover.

Stress can cause relapse and relapse in turn could cause or worsen any mental health concerns you're experiencing. It’s not easy to get out of this cycle, but over time, and with support, you can overcome an addiction to alcohol.