Alcohol Dependence Relapse Triggers: Things to Watch Out ForBy Michaela

Alcohol dependence is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and support for long-term recovery. One of the biggest challenges in the recovery process is avoiding relapse, which can be triggered by a variety of factors.

By understanding common triggers and taking proactive steps to manage them, individuals can reduce the risk of relapse and maintain sobriety.

Why Do Relapses Happen?

Relapse is a common occurrence in the journey of addiction recovery. It can be frustrating and disheartening, but it’s important to understand that it is a normal part of the process. There are several reasons why relapses happen, and it’s essential to be aware of them in order to prevent them from happening again in the future.

Relapse from alcohol dependency is common, and statistics show that anywhere from 40% to 60% of people in recovery from alcohol dependency will experience a relapse at some point. It’s important to note that relapse is not a failure but rather a part of the recovery process.

The frequency of relapse can vary depending on the individual, their support system, and the severity of their addiction. Some people may experience multiple relapses, while others may not experience any relapses at all. Individuals in recovery need to work with their healthcare providers and support systems to minimize the risk of relapse and to develop a comprehensive plan for ongoing recovery.

Relapses can happen for various reasons, which we will discuss below. It’s important to be aware of your triggers, develop healthy coping skills, and have a support system in place to help you through difficult times. By doing so, you can increase your chances of success in the journey of addiction recovery.

Common Triggers for Relapse

One of the biggest challenges in the recovery process is avoiding relapse, which can be triggered by a variety of factors. These relapse triggers are different for every individual, but there are some common triggers that many people experience. 

Relapse is a common challenge in the recovery process, but individuals can reduce the risk of relapse by being aware of common triggers and taking proactive steps to manage them. Understanding emotional, social, environmental, physical, and cognitive triggers is an important part of the recovery process and can help individuals stay on track and achieve lasting recovery.

Emotional Triggers

Emotional triggers play a significant role in the desire to drink for many individuals in recovery from alcohol dependence. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common emotional triggers that can lead to a strong desire to drink. These emotions can be overwhelming and may cause a person to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

For example, a person in recovery may experience high stress at work, which triggers a desire to drink. This person may have used alcohol in the past to cope with stress and may now associate drinking with reducing stress. The association is so strong that the mere thought of stress can trigger a desire to drink.

Individuals in recovery need to be aware of their emotional triggers and have a plan in place for managing them. This can include practicing mindfulness, engaging in exercise, or reaching out to a support group. Individuals can reduce the risk of relapse and maintain sobriety by having a plan in place and being proactive in managing emotional triggers.

Social Triggers

Social triggers, such as being around alcohol or old drinking friends, can be major challenges in the recovery process from alcohol dependence. Being in social situations where alcohol is present can be difficult for individuals in recovery, as they may feel pressure to drink or be reminded of past drinking experiences.

For example, a person in recovery may attend a friend’s birthday party where alcohol is served. This person may feel pressure to drink, especially if they are surrounded by old drinking friends. The temptation to drink may be heightened by the memories associated with past drinking experiences, leading to a higher risk of relapse.

Individuals in recovery can prepare for social situations where alcohol is present by bringing a designated driver, attending events with sober friends, or avoiding situations where alcohol is the main focus. Individuals can reduce the risk of relapse and maintain sobriety by having a plan in place.

Environmental Triggers

Environmental triggers, such as specific places or times of day, can also contribute to the desire to drink for individuals in recovery from alcohol dependence. These triggers can be strong reminders of past drinking experiences and may trigger a desire to drink.

For example, a person in recovery may have a strong association between drinking and a specific bar they used to frequent. The mere sight of the bar may trigger a desire to drink, even if the person has not had a drink in months or years. Another example is a person in recovery who associates drinking with a specific time of day, such as a happy hour or after dinner. The thought of that time of day may trigger a desire to drink, even if the person is not in the same environment as before.

By avoiding these environmental triggers, individuals in recovery can reduce the risk of relapse. This may involve finding new bars to visit, changing the time of day for activities, or simply avoiding places that trigger memories of past drinking experiences.

Physical Triggers

Physical triggers, such as fatigue, pain, and hunger, can also contribute to the desire to drink for individuals in recovery from alcohol dependence. These triggers can be challenging to manage, as they are often associated with basic physiological needs.

For example, a person in recovery may experience fatigue after a long day of work. This fatigue may trigger a desire to drink, as alcohol may have been used in the past as a way to relax and unwind. Another example is a person in recovery who experiences pain from a physical injury. This pain may trigger a desire to drink, as alcohol may have been used in the past as a way to cope with pain.

Physical triggers can be managed by getting enough rest, engaging in exercise, and eating a balanced diet. Exercise can help to reduce fatigue and manage pain, while a balanced diet can help to manage hunger and provide energy. By managing physical triggers, individuals in recovery can reduce the risk of relapse and maintain sobriety.

Cognitive Triggers

Cognitive triggers, such as negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations, can also contribute to the desire to drink for individuals in recovery from alcohol dependence. These triggers can be rooted in negative thought patterns and can be challenging to overcome.

For example, a person in recovery may engage in negative self-talk, such as “I’ll never be able to achieve my goals” or “I’m a failure.” This negative self-talk may trigger a desire to drink, as alcohol may have been used in the past as a way to cope with low self-esteem or negative thoughts. Another example is a person in recovery who sets unrealistic expectations for themselves, such as “I need to be perfect all the time.” This unrealistic expectation may trigger a desire to drink, as alcohol may have been used in the past as a way to cope with feelings of inadequacy or disappointment.

Cognitive triggers can be managed by replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations and setting realistic expectations for oneself. This may involve practicing positive self-talk, such as “I am capable and worthy” or “I am doing the best I can.” It may also involve setting realistic expectations for oneself, such as “I don’t need to be perfect all the time” or “It’s okay to make mistakes.” By managing cognitive triggers, individuals in recovery can reduce the risk of relapse and maintain sobriety.

What to do When Experiencing A Desire to Relapse

Relapse is a common challenge for individuals in recovery from alcohol dependence. If you are recovering and experiencing a desire to relapse, it’s important to take action right away to prevent it from turning into reality. Here are some tips for dealing with the urge to relapse:

• Reach out for support: Having a strong support network can make a big difference in preventing relapse. Reach out to a therapist, attend a support group, or connect with sober friends. Talking to someone who understands the struggles of addiction can be incredibly helpful in overcoming the urge to drink.
• Practice self-care: Self-care is crucial in preventing relapse. Engage in stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and exercise, to help reduce the urge to drink. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and taking care of your physical and emotional needs can also help.
• Identify and avoid triggers: It’s important to identify the triggers that increase the desire to drink and avoid them if possible. This may include avoiding specific places, people, or activities that may trigger the urge to drink.
• Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations: Cognitive triggers, such as negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations, can also contribute to the desire to drink. Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations can help manage these triggers.
• Engage in alternative activities: Finding alternative activities that are enjoyable and fulfilling can help reduce the urge to drink. This may include hobbies, exercise, or volunteering.

If you are in the process of recovery and experiencing a desire to relapse, it’s important to take action right away. Reach out for support, practice self-care, identify and avoid triggers, replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, and engage in alternative activities. These strategies can help reduce the risk of relapse and maintain sobriety.

How The Alcohol Coach Can Help Reduce the Risk of a Relapse

The Alcohol Coach is a program designed to empower individuals who are struggling with alcohol dependence by providing them with the necessary tools to overcome their addiction. The program is unique in its approach, as it does not rely on conventional, limiting beliefs or terminology commonly associated with addiction recovery. This approach can be incredibly effective for individuals who have struggled with negative self-perceptions and a lack of hope in their ability to overcome their dependence.

One of the key components of The Alcohol Coach is its focus on identifying and managing triggers. Triggers are the events, thoughts, or environments that can lead to a desire to drink or engage in addictive behavior. These triggers can be different for each person, and they can be difficult to recognize without the guidance of a professional. However, The Alcohol Coach can help individuals to identify these triggers and develop a plan to avoid them. By doing so, the program empowers people to break the cycle of addiction and take control of their lives. There is a big focus on building The Pillars of Sustainability, ensuring that you can buffer the storms of life and can rely on your sobriety being strong. Sustaining change and rediscovering your true, authentic self is key to our work.

The Alcohol Coach provides a comprehensive and supportive approach to addiction recovery. The program offers individuals the tools to overcome dependence, avoid triggers, and develop positive self-affirmations. With its unique approach and comprehensive tools, The Alcohol Coach offers new hope for those who are struggling with addiction and dependence. Individuals can overcome dependence by providing a supportive environment and practical strategies, improving their quality of life, and reclaiming their future.

Let’s Recap

Relapse is a common challenge in the recovery process, but by being aware of common triggers and taking proactive steps to manage them, individuals can reduce the risk of relapse and maintain independence. Programs like The Alcohol Coach provide a comprehensive approach to recovery, including therapy, support groups, and strategies for managing triggers and maintaining independence. With the right support and resources, individuals can overcome alcohol dependence and achieve lasting recovery.

Editor’s Note:

In this article, you might notice that we use ‘labels’ such as “alcoholic”, “disease”, and other identifiers that are used to link individuals together by their habits with alcohol. Though they are used colloquially, we believe them to perpetuate limiting beliefs.  

A key tenet of The Alcohol Coach is that the way to overcome alcohol addiction is through empowerment, not retreating into a space of powerlessness or victim status. 

So, even though we may use these terms to communicate a point as it is known by the general public, keep in mind that our core beliefs dictate that these terms be avoided as much as possible.