Alcoholism is a relapsing and remitting disease, which means that there are times when you will relapse. A relapse can be defined as a return to alcohol use after a period of sobriety. Remember that a relapse is not a failure but part of the recovery process. Here are some tips for dealing with a relapse of alcohol abuse.

Understand Your Triggers

One of the most important things you can do to prevent a relapse is to understand your triggers. A trigger is anything that sets off a craving for alcohol or causes you to start thinking about drinking. Triggers can be Internal (stress, anxiety, feelings of sadness or anger) or External (people, places, or things). Once you know your triggers, you can develop a plan for how to deal with them. 

Have A Support System In Place 

When trying to stay sober, it is essential to have a robust support system in place. This could be friends or family members you can rely on, a therapist or counselor, or a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous. These people can provide you with emotional support and help hold you accountable, making you less likely to relapse. 

Be Honest With Yourself And Others 

If you find yourself in the throes of a relapse, it is essential, to be honest with yourself and others about what is happening. This means admitting that you have relapsed and reaching out for help instead of trying to power through it alone. Isolation is one of the main reasons people relapse, so make sure you stay connected to your support system even if you are struggling. 

Seek Professional Help

 If you struggle to stay sober on your own, it may be time to seek professional help. This could mean going to detox or an inpatient treatment program. Many outpatient programs can provide the service you need to stay sober. However, no matter what level of care you need, there is help available, like detox centers in Maryland, that can provide you with the care you need to detox from alcohol and start your journey to sobriety.

Don’t Dwell On It

It’s important to remember that a relapse is not the end of the world. So, if you find yourself drinking again, don’t dwell on it or beat yourself up. Instead, focus on getting back on track and moving forward in your recovery. A slip-up does not have to mean that you are doomed to fail; it is just part of the process. 

Keep Your Hands And Mind Busy

When trying to stay sober, keeping your hands and mind busy is essential. This can help prevent boredom and frustration, common triggers for relapse. You can do many things to keep yourself alive, such as exercise, hobbies, volunteering, or Spending time with friends and family. Find something that you enjoy, and make sure to do it regularly.

Dealing with relapse can be difficult, but it is not impossible. If you are struggling with alcoholism, reach out for help from your support system and be honest about what is happening. Remember that this is not failure but part of the recovery process.