Whether you’ve had alcohol detox or overcame your addiction in another way, one of the hardest things to deal with is relapse. This is because alcohol addiction is a chronic brain disease – and, interestingly, symptom relapse is a feature of lots of chronic illnesses.
Alcohol addiction affects what’s known as the ‘reward system’ within the brain. In turn, this can cause compulsive and/or risky behaviour, side-effects and increased use (or abuse) over time.
Here are our tips for preventing, or managing, relapse if and when it happens.
1) Get help when you need it
Whatever your addiction, you may feel guilt, embarrassment or feelings of worthlessness if you find yourself relapsing – especially if you’ve had a successful alcohol detox in the past. Incredibly, up to 60% of people with addictions will relapse*. It’s helpful to think of your relapse as you would any other chronic illness – some of your symptoms have returned, and you need to create a therapy plan to deal with them.
2) Know your triggers
It can be helpful to recognise your triggers, which are circumstances that may lead to you having a drink. These can be anything from certain times of day (for example, if you have a drink before bed), to certain situations (such as binge drinking on a night out).
3) Avoid stressful situations
Alcohol can help us feel relaxed and comfortable, which makes many people with high-flying, high-pressured jobs rely on having a drink to unwind, feel calm or manage stress. While it’s impossible to avoid all stress in life, you may be able to better manage stress in the future – for example, delegating projects at work, freeing up your schedule, booking time off work for a holiday, or ensuring you have regular ‘me-time’. Exercise can also help with managing stressful feelings.
4) Commit to recovery
Recognise that you might need support on your journey and take advantage of any help that comes your way – be it friends and family, a therapist or a support group. Surprisingly, those who feel relapse is impossible and consider themselves ‘’immune’’ actually increase their risk of relapse in the future.
5) Change your habits
Are you spending too much time with old friends who binge on a night out? Do you find yourself popping to the pub more and more, even though you’re trying not to drink? Break these old habits and help prevent relapse from happening.
Advice for those supporting your recovery
There are lots of signs that your loved one is relapsing – with some more obvious than others. These might include missing alcohol, medicines (such as cough syrup) or money; absence from work or social engagements; visible intoxication or a ‘smell’ of alcohol; and empty alcohol bottles. Sadly, relapse isn’t always avoidable – though that doesn’t mean to say that alcohol detox won’t help the next time around.
Alcohol detox with NAD+ IV Therapy
If you’re relapsing with alcohol addiction, it’s time to get help. Our high-potency, nutritionally-based alcohol IV drips use a complex of vitamins B & C, antioxidant glutathione and pabrinex to:
- Eliminate of physical cravings
- Enhance clarity and mental focus
- Benefit the liver and heart
- Provide stress relief and neuroprotection
You can also choose between our NAD+ Alcohol Detox IV Infusions Program or our NAD+ Advanced Alcohol Detox IV Infusions Program, which has the added bonus of support from a Life Transformation Coach. Either can be carried at our clinics in London and South Africa, or in your own home.
Sign up for our alcohol detox today
Our alcohol IV drip is over 90% successful amongst our clients, helping you beat your addiction and take steps to being your best self.
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