Can You Drink Alcohol While in Recovery from Drug Addiction?

Most people who are dealing with addictions still face stigma to this day. A lot of people do not realize that terms like ‘drug addicts’ or ‘recovering addict’ can contribute to this stigma by painting a dehumanizing portrait of the person in recovery. The term ‘drug addict’ focuses too much on the person rather than the condition that is affecting them. This is part of the reason why most people still view addiction as a moral failure or a sign of weakness rather than a medical condition.

“Once an addict, always an addict” is a common misconception.  While it’s true that there is no cure for a chronic condition like addiction, it does not mean it cannot be treated. People in recovery can still get sober and learn healthy coping mechanisms that will help them live long and healthy lives.

So it is possible for a person in recovery from drug addiction can eventually pick up the coping skills needed to drink occasionally without putting their sobriety at risk.

However, in general, it is not recommended to drink alcohol for those who are still in the process of regaining their sobriety. It’s not just a matter of compromising your progress but also a matter of safety.

While in recovery from addiction, alcohol can trigger cravings and increase the risk of relapse. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of some medications used in addiction treatment.

Consuming alcohol while in recovery is a calculated risk for a recovering individual. Keep in mind that alcohol is also a drug and can therefore cause its own set of adverse health effects. It can make recovery even harder for you. 

There’s also the risk of dangerous drug interactions. Some drugs should not be taken with alcohol as it can lead to an overdose, which in some cases can cause life-threatening effects like respiratory depression. Notably, alcohol should not be taken with benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, etc. These drugs have the potential to be lethal when combined with alcohol.

Overall, drinking while in recovery is not a safe idea.

Aside from drinking while in rehab, there are many other factors that may compromise your sobriety and cause relapse. In fact, relapse rates for people in recovery for drug or alcohol addiction are high.

According to studies, 40% to 60% of people in recovery relapse within 30 days of leaving an inpatient rehab center. Meanwhile, up to 85% of them relapse within the first year. But relapse is such a common obstacle in addiction recovery, that it should not stop you from pursuing sobriety anyway. Relapse is not a sign of failure, nor is it the end of the world.

It only means you still have work to do in order to maintain long-term sobriety, and part of that is learning to recognize the things that put you at risk of relapse. Having an awareness of the high risk for relapse can help you make better decisions as you pursue sobriety.

There are many possible reasons for drug addiction relapse. Triggers and cravings are some of the most common reasons people relapse while in recovery.

Triggers are events, people, or situations that remind you of drug use and can trigger cravings for the substance. Stress, boredom, and social situations are a few examples of triggers.

Some people relapse during recovery because they do not have enough support from their family and friends. It is also possible to relapse because of a lack of support from addiction treatment professionals during the aftercare stage. Oftentimes, it is difficult for an individual to stay on track with their own recovery, so having that support system in place is necessary.

Other people relapse due to underlying mental health issues that remained unaddressed during their stay in rehab. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders often co-occur with addiction. If left untreated, these conditions may cause more problems down the line.

Some people self-medicate to deal with the symptoms of their mental illness. This is why they are at risk of relapsing. They may turn to drugs to cope with the uncomfortable effects of their mental health disorder.

On a similar note, past trauma and other unresolved issues may cause problems that can challenge your sobriety. Abuse, neglect, and other traumatic experiences can contribute to addiction and may also contribute to relapse.

An individual may turn to drugs as a way to cope with stress or other challenges. Without adequate coping skills, they may be more likely to relapse.

Sometimes, relapse is just a matter of having easy access to drugs. Even after completing treatment, an individual may still have access to drugs, making it easier for them to relapse. The added temptation only puts them at greater risk of relapsing.

People who complete rehab may get complacent, thinking they have already beaten their addiction. But sobriety is a lifelong journey and you need to stay on top of your condition or else you may fall back into your old ways. If you stop attending therapy or support group meetings and stop using your healthy coping mechanisms, you may eventually relapse.

Staying on track while in recovery can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. Here are some tips to help you stay focused and committed to your recovery journey:

First, create a support system. Surround yourself with people who are supportive of your recovery goals. This could include family members, friends, support groups, or a therapist. Join a Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous group near you. Look for a sponsor, coach, or mentor who you can call whenever you need to talk to someone.

Social support is important during the recovery process. If you are having problems managing or controlling your cravings, call your support system.

When it comes to recovery, it is important that you set realistic goals. Do not be too hard on yourself if you relapse or experience setbacks. The addiction journey is not straightforward. Setting achievable goals can help you stay motivated and on track. Start with small goals and gradually work your way up.

While you work on your recovery goals, try to establish healthy habits. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a regular sleep schedule are all necessary to your recovery. Take care of yourself. If your body is healthy, it is easier for your mind to stay focused on your goals. When you are physically well, you also feel better emotionally and mentally.

Practicing self-case also extends to engaging in activities you enjoy. Take the time to relax and practice your hobbies. Find activities you love and spend time doing it, whether it’s painting, writing, traveling, or being physically active.

These hobbies and interests can help keep your mind off of illicit substances and alcohol. You can also avoid triggers more easily.

Speaking of which, you need to learn how to recognize your triggers ahead of time. Identify people or situations that fuel your need to drink or take drugs. Avoid them as much as possible.

If you still need help, you can explore various therapy options. Maybe there are still some traumas you need to heal from and coping mechanisms you need to learn.

Finally, when you succeed or make significant progress, make sure you celebrate them. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This can help you stay motivated and build confidence in your ability to overcome challenges.

The question is not whether a drug addicted individual can drink alcohol while in rehab, but should they drink alcohol while recovering from an addiction. The answer is probably not. This is just another contributing factor that can expose you to relapse.

Do not give up on your sobriety. Addiction recovery is a lifetime commitment. It’s a journey rather than a destination. But in the long run, you will be much healthier and happier if you stay away from the substances that cause you physical and emotional pain.

Do not be discouraged if it takes you a few times to reclaim your sobriety. The longer you avoid relapse, the lower your chances of going back to your addictive tendencies. So try to stay sober as much as you can and don’t let a few lapses discourage you from sticking to your plan.

You have the power to change your life. Look for a rehab near you today and get started on the road to long-lasting sobriety. There may be ups and downs along the way, but be kind to yourself and keep moving forward, one day at a time. Get your recovery journey started right now.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.