Can Alcoholics Ever Drink Again: Understanding the Risks and Possibilities

Is it possible for an alcoholic to ever drink casually again? Can a recovered alcoholic ever drink again? Can they learn how to drink in moderation?

These are common questions that many recovering alcoholics and their loved ones ask. While it is a tempting thought, the answer is not very straightforward. The reality is that alcoholism is a lifelong disease that can never truly be cured. It can, however, be managed with the right treatment and support.

Can Alcoholics Drink in Moderation?

The answer is that while some individuals who have struggled with alcohol addiction may be able to drink in moderation after a period of abstinence and with the help of a treatment program, abstinence is generally considered the safest and most effective option. 

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that can be difficult to control, and even small amounts of alcohol can trigger a relapse. Factors such as the severity of the addiction, mental and physical health, and social support networks play a crucial role in determining whether moderation is feasible. 

To specifically answer the question, Can alcoholics drink in moderation? let's examine this from different perspectives.

For men, this means no more than four drinks per day, and for women, no more than three drinks per day. Casual drinking is often associated with socializing, relaxing, and celebrating, and can be a part of a healthy lifestyle for those who can consume alcohol in moderation.

However, it is important to remember that excessive drinking or binge drinking, even on a casual basis, can be harmful to health and can lead to the development of alcohol use disorder or other alcohol-related health problems too. It is also worth noting that not everyone can handle alcohol in the same way. Some people may have a lower tolerance for beer or hard liquor or be more prone to addiction, making it more challenging to drink alcohol in moderation.

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Can Recovered Alcoholics Drink Again?

When people come for alcohol treatment, one of the most common things they ask is whether they really have to commit to abstinence forever. Can they learn controlled drinking? Can they become social drinkers? Can a recovering alcoholic drink again?

As we mentioned before, the answer is not always straightforward. While moderate drinking is possible and achievable for some people after completing alcohol treatment and maintaining sobriety, many individuals with a history of alcohol abuse cannot. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, around 90% of people who abuse alcohol will experience a relapse within four years of receiving treatment. This statistic highlights the challenges that many individuals face in managing their alcohol consumption.

At the same time, research has shown that the brain chemistry of individuals with a history of alcoholism and alcohol dependence may be permanently altered, making it more difficult for them to drink in moderation. The brain’s reward system becomes hyperactive when exposed to alcohol, which can lead to cravings and a loss of control.

For this reason, complete abstinence from alcohol is often necessary to manage alcohol addiction and prevent relapse. That being said, it is important to note that every individual’s journey to long-term recovery is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is also true that while many people who abuse alcohol may find it difficult to go back to controlled drinking or social drinking, it is not impossible for everyone.

Can an Alcoholic Drink Again After Successful Drinking After Sobriety?

The question of whether an alcoholic can drink again after successful drinking after sobriety is a complex one. While some people may be able to maintain control over their drinking after a period of sobriety, for many, this is a risky proposition. The brain chemistry of individuals with a history of alcoholism may be permanently altered, making it more difficult for them to drink in moderation. This can lead to a loss of control and a return to problematic drinking patterns.

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How to Tell if Someone is Drinking Again

Recognizing the signs of a relapse is crucial in helping a recovering alcoholic stay on track. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Consuming more alcohol than intended
• Cravings and loss of control
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Continued alcohol abuse despite negative consequences
• Withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea when attempting to quit drinking

Please note that not everyone with alcohol use disorder exhibits all of these signs, and some may have other indicators of addiction.

Where do Alcoholics Go for Help?

If you are currently struggling with alcoholism and staying sober, NuView Treatment Center can help you. At our outpatient facility, located in Los Angeles, you can receive the support you need to stop your alcohol abuse. We are trained to develop individualized treatment plans for each client and assist with addressing underlying conditions that may be motivating your drug or alcohol use.

Through this, you will develop new, healthy coping mechanisms and plans for dealing with possible triggers. The compassionate evidence-based therapeutic modalities used at our treatment center helps you achieve sobriety and offers you the tools to stay sober long-term.

Start Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Our dedicated professional staff is here to design a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, guiding you or your loved one on the journey to lasting recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Modest Drinking?

Modest drinking is the practice of consuming alcohol in moderation, typically defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. It's important to note that this definition is not a recommendation to drink, but rather a limit for those who do choose to consume alcohol.

What is Considered a Casual Drink?

A casual drink is typically defined as a moderate amount of alcohol consumed in a social setting. This could be a glass of wine at dinner, a beer at a barbecue, or a cocktail at a party.

What are the Types of Drinker?

There are several types of drinkers, including social drinkers, problem drinkers, and alcoholics. Social drinkers consume alcohol in moderation and do not typically experience negative consequences from their drinking. Problem drinkers consume alcohol in excess and may experience negative consequences as a result. Alcoholics have a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol and often experience significant negative consequences as a result of their drinking.

How Much Casual Drinking is Too Much?

Casual drinking becomes too much when it starts to negatively impact your life. This could include health problems, issues at work or school, legal problems, or problems in your relationships.

What's an Occasional Drinker?

An occasional drinker is someone who consumes alcohol infrequently, such as on special occasions or a few times a year.

Can You Drink Alcohol Everyday and Not be an Alcoholic?

Yes and no. While it's possible for someone to drink alcohol every day and not be an alcoholic, it's generally not recommended. Drinking alcohol every day can increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder and other health problems. It's important to remember that alcoholism is not just about the frequency of drinking, but also about the impact it has on a person's life.

Can Recovering Alcoholics Ever Drink Again?

While some recovering alcoholics may be able to return to moderate or social drinking after a period of sobriety, for many, this is not recommended. The risk of relapse is high, and the brain chemistry of individuals with a history of alcoholism may be permanently altered, making it more difficult for them to drink in moderation.

Can Former Alcoholics Drink Again?

The question of whether former alcoholics can drink again is a complex one. While some may be able to maintain control over their drinking, for many, this is a risky proposition. The risk of relapse is high, and the brain chemistry of individuals with a history of alcoholism may be permanently altered, making it more difficult for them to drink in moderation.

What Happens When You Start Drinking After Being Sober for a Year?

Starting to drink again after a period of sobriety can lead to a return of old, harmful drinking patterns. The brain's reward system can become hyperactive when exposed to alcohol, leading to cravings and a loss of control. This can make it difficult to maintain moderation and can increase the risk of a full relapse.

Sources:

Babor, T. F. (1996). The Classification of Alcoholics: Typology Theories From the 19th Century to the Present. Alcohol Health and Research World, 20(1), 6-14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6876530/

Banerjee, N. (2014). Neurotransmitters in alcoholism: A review of neurobiological and genetic studies. Indian Journal of Human Genetics, 20(1), 20-31. https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-6866.132750

Berglund, K. J., Svensson, I., Berggren, U., Balldin, J., & Fahlke, C. (2016). Is there a need for congruent treatment goals between alcohol-dependent patients and caregivers? Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 40(4), 874–879. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13003

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, November 20). Most people who drink excessively are not alcohol dependent. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p1120-excessive-drinking.html#:~:text=Nine in 10 adults who,Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Alcohol Facts and Statistics. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Relapse and craving-alcohol alert no. 06-1989. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa06.htm

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Understanding alcohol use disorder. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder

Westman, J., Wahlbeck, K., Laursen, T. M., Gissler, M., Nordentoft, M., Hällgren, J., Arffman, M., & Ösby, U. (2014). Mortality and life expectancy of people with alcohol use disorder in Denmark, Finland and Sweden. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 131(4), 297–306. https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.12330