Can Alcoholics Ever Drink Again?

People drink for a variety of reasons. However, some people lose control, and they may develop a drinking problem, as many people in the UK do. They can find treatment to help them overcome this, but sometimes they may want to drink again. But can they?

Understanding Alcoholism

Alcoholism, otherwise known as alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a behavioural health condition wherein a person is unable to abstain from alcohol. This is not merely drinking or even drinking to excess; some may even be able to drink in moderation. 

A person with AUD will drink regardless of any negative consequences they may face as a result of their alcohol use. They’re dependent on alcohol to function. 

For a person who is affected by AUD, drinking alcohol is the highest priority. It takes precedence over health, relationships, and even personal safety.

Alcoholism Is A Disease 

Many people have this notion that AUD and other forms of substance use are a moral failing. To these people, an alcoholic is the way that they are because of a weakness in character. To these people, an alcoholic is an alcoholic because they’re actively choosing to keep drinking. 

The truth of the matter is that addiction is much more complicated than that. AUD and other forms of addiction aren’t caused by a lack of willpower. Rather, addiction is a disease that is caused by a variety of factors.

Alcoholics do not drink simply because they like the sensation of being drunk. They drink because their minds and bodies have become so acclimated to alcohol abuse that it’s almost impossible for them to say no to a drink. They won’t be able to control their craving. They may even suffer withdrawal symptoms if they are not able to drink for whatever reason.

The Journey To Recovery

Recovering from AUD is not easy. AUD can alter a person’s brain chemistry, so they’ll often develop anxiety or depression when they detox. This can make the first step of recovery hard.

A recovery journey to overcome addiction will almost certainly involve rehab at some point. Those with severe disorders will be best served with inpatient care, and those with mild to moderate disorders can be served with an outpatient programme.

As part of a treatment programme, recovering alcoholics will generally learn coping skills to help manage their cravings. These skills can be essential for preventing relapse.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Alcoholism?

There is no set timeline for recovery. Some people who are addicted to alcohol can recover fairly quickly, and other people may find that it takes them years to get sober. 

Can Alcoholics Ever Drink Again?

No, alcoholics generally should never drink again. While moderate drinking is encouraged for most people, even a small amount of alcohol can cause someone with AUD to relapse. This can trigger their addiction once again and set their progress back. Alcoholics can’t drink again. Their relationship with alcohol is generally too fraught, and moderation isn’t generally an option that’s available to them.

The problem with an addiction to alcohol or anything else is that it is a disease that can’t truly be cured. At best, people can manage their conditions. As such, quitting alcohol means quitting it entirely.

Abstinence vs Moderation

When a person is abstinent, they drink no alcohol whatsoever. When a person drinks in moderation, they engage in controlled drinking. They drink alcohol, but they set limits for themselves, and they can stick to those limits. People who drink in moderation generally do not lose control of their alcohol consumption.

What Do Experts Say About Drinking After Recovery?

Generally speaking, experts agree that alcoholics shouldn’t drink again. Most recovering alcoholics aren’t able to handle it, and they’ll almost certainly fall back into their old drinking patterns.

Are There Cases Where Reintroduction To Alcohol Is Possible?

There are isolated cases wherein a person who goes through alcohol treatment may be able to drink again without falling back into their old patterns of substance use.

What Risks Are Associated With Drinking Again?

When a person stops using drugs or drinking alcohol, they stop the harm that those substances do to their bodies. Drinking again will put someone at risk of the harmful effects of alcohol. However, drinking again can send a person into a spiral where they fully relapse, and their old habits come back.

Factors Influencing The Ability To Drink Again

There are several factors that can drive a person to drink again. These factors can be unique to each person.

Personal Factors That Affect An Alcoholic’s Decision to Drink Again

Several personal factors can determine whether an alcoholic will drink again. For example, a person who has a strong social support network goes to support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and sees a therapist is less likely to drink again.

How Does The Length Of Sobriety Impact Drinking Decisions?

Yes, in some cases it can. People who maintain their sobriety for a long time may relax. They may become less vigilant of their triggers. Because of this, when they find themselves in a position where they are confronted by their triggers, they can succumb to temptation.

What Role Does Environment Play In The Decision To Drink Again?

Environment plays a major role in a person’s return to drinking. Being in situations wherein a person is surrounded by alcohol, such as a party or a bar, can lead to a recurrence of alcohol misuse.

Alternatives To Drinking

What are Some Non-Alcoholic Alternatives For Social Drinking Situations?

There are situations wherein drinking is expected. However, numerous alternatives can serve as an alternative to an alcoholic drink. This can include non-alcoholic liquor, drinks that are non-alcoholic, soda, or water. 

How Can Individuals Who Have Stopped Drinking Enjoy Life Without Alcohol?

Alcohol is not necessary to enjoy life. However, a recovering alcoholic may want to drink and feel as if they need to so they can enjoy life. To find joy in life without abusing alcohol, they can build a strong support network and engage in activities that do not involve social drinking or promote healthy living. 

What Are The Benefits Of Staying Sober?

Staying sober can have numerous benefits. There are numerous benefits to staying sober, such as avoiding liver damage. Alcohol is a depressant, so sobriety can also be beneficial for mental health.

Moreover, getting and staying sober can help a person maintain their interpersonal relationships.

What To Consider Before You Start Drinking

There are several things that a person should consider before they start drinking. Some of these include:

One Alcoholic Drink Can Be One Drink Too Much

One drink may not seem like too much alcohol, but you may not be able to control your drinking. A singular drink may be enough to trigger an alcohol addiction.

Moderation Management Plan

A Moderation Management Plan is a structured programme that can be used to help individuals manage their behaviour and make conscious decisions in regard to their actions.

How To Stay Committed To Your Recovery Journey?

Staying committed to long-term recovery can be difficult. Once again, a support network is crucial. But it’s also crucial to acknowledge the recovery itself. Being able to celebrate wins and milestones can remind a person of how far they’ve come.

Help And Support To Quit Drinking

There are numerous avenues to be able to quit drinking. For some people, going to Alcoholics Anonymous can be enough to get them to quit drinking entirely. However, people who are struggling with severe alcohol addiction may need a proper treatment programme to overcome their alcohol intake.

Where To Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment

At Sierra Recovery, we offer world-class treatment for various substance use disorders, including AUD. We want to help you or your loved one get sober and stay that way. Contact us to learn more.