# Can Alcoholics Ever Drink Again? | Sierra Recovery > You may wonder if alcoholics can ever drink again. Learn why sobriety is key and why alcoholic drinks, even in moderation, can lead to complications. [Home](/) / [Blog](/blog/) / Alcohol Alcohol # Can Alcoholics Ever Drink Again? You may wonder if alcoholics can ever drink again. Learn why sobriety is key and why alcoholic drinks, even in moderation, can lead to complications. Written byKristel Mae DavidClinical Editor Clinically reviewed by[Lucy Britton](/clinical-team/)Clinical Therapist Last checked for clinical accuracy on 16 April 2025. This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Generally no. For someone with alcohol use disorder, even a small amount of alcohol can trigger a relapse and set hard-won progress back. Moderation is usually not available to them, because their relationship with alcohol is too fraught. Isolated cases exist where a person drinks again without returning to old patterns, but experts generally agree that people who have been dependent should not drink. Recovery means managing the condition rather than resolving it. ## Before you go further, a safety note If you are physically dependent on alcohol or on benzodiazepines such as diazepam or alprazolam, do not stop taking them suddenly. Sudden withdrawal from either can cause seizures and can be life threatening. A medically supervised withdrawal is the safe route, and your GP can arrange one. In an emergency call 999 in the UK, or 112 anywhere in Europe. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, NHS 111 is available in England around the clock. 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. Alcohol is usually doing a job for someone. Treating only the drinking is why people relapse. ## 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. ### Do you think you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol? You do not have to be certain before you pick up the phone. One confidential call with a clinician will tell you whether your drinking is something to act on now. [Take the self-assessment](/self-assessment/) [+44 1202 653136](tel:+441202653136) ## 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. ### Treating alcohol addiction takes more than willpower Three structured group sessions a day, individual therapy, and a seventeen module curriculum. Admission usually within days of the assessment. [See how admission works](/admissions/) [+44 1202 653136](tel:+441202653136) ## 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. Start your recovery journey today. Last reviewed 2026-07-25. Next review 2027-07-25. ## Questions people actually ask Can you come back from alcoholism? Yes, people with AUD can recover. There may be some setbacks, but there are plenty of people with AUD who can live healthy, sober lives. Can an alcoholic become a normal drinker? No, it's not likely for an alcoholic to drink again safely. What happens if an alcoholic starts drinking again? When a recovering alcoholic drinks again, they will almost certainly fall back into old patterns of behaviour. And relapse can sometimes result in a more severe intensity of alcoholism. Why is moderation not usually an option after alcohol use disorder? Someone with AUD is unable to abstain and keeps drinking despite the consequences, so setting limits and sticking to them is rarely realistic. People who drink in moderation generally do not lose control of how much they consume. One drink may not seem like much, but for someone with AUD a single drink can be enough to trigger the addiction again. Is alcoholism a lack of willpower? No. Alcohol use disorder is a health condition with many contributing factors, not a moral failing or a weakness of character. People with AUD are not simply choosing to keep drinking. Their minds and bodies have become so used to alcohol that saying no becomes extremely difficult, cravings are hard to control, and withdrawal symptoms can appear when they cannot drink. How long does it take to recover from alcoholism? There is no set timeline. Some people recover fairly quickly and others find it takes years to get sober. Alcohol use disorder can alter brain chemistry, so anxiety or depression often appear during detox, which makes the first step hard. Treatment usually includes learning coping skills for cravings, and those skills matter a great deal for preventing relapse later. What makes someone more likely to drink again? Personal, social and environmental factors all play a part. A strong support network, attending groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and seeing a therapist all lower the risk. Long stretches of sobriety can sometimes make people relax and become less vigilant about their triggers. Being around alcohol, at a party or a bar, is one of the strongest environmental pressures. How can you enjoy social occasions without drinking? Alcohol is not necessary to enjoy life, although it can feel that way at first. In situations where drinking is expected, non-alcoholic drinks, soda or water all work. Beyond that, building a strong support network and choosing activities that do not revolve around drinking helps. Celebrating milestones is worth doing too, since it reminds you how far you have come. + ## Talk to a clinician today You will speak to our admissions team, English-speaking clinicians who know the programme and the people in it. Callback within 24 hours. Step 1 of 3 Confidential, and no obligation Registered health centre. 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