Families & Friends Of Addicts Support Group

Addiction affects more than just the individual. This community is dedicated to the families and friends of individuals suffering from any form of addiction. Mental health professionals are increasingly considering alcoholism and addiction as diseases that flourish in and are enabled by family systems. Family members react to the addicted person with particular behavioral...

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Relapse?

karepack
karepack
I haven't written in awhile, maybe because I thought things were going well. that's what I get for thinking. My son (24 yrs old) as of yesterday, had been clean and sober for approx. 33 days. My husband and I were so happy. Last night he went to a friends and came home drunk. First it was, "I only had one beer." then it went to shots and 3 beers. The truth (at least we think) came out. My question, Is this a normal relapse in a very early recovery process? This is all so new to me. Will the relapses continue? Is it possible to go through recovery and not have relapses? Any advice or answers would be so appreciated.
mgs1
mgs1
My suggestion is read everything you can on "PAWS" - Post Accute Withdrawal Symdrone and Post Addiction Withdrawal Symdrone. You will understand how and why managing sobriety is so difficult. You will also understand the "time elements" of cravings. 4-6 weeks is a crucial time period. Recommendations now are that an addict needs a minimum of 6 months in a sober living environment, therapy to understand the triggers and so much more.
Our Son's doctor recommended
6 months in rehab and a minimum of 18 months in a sober living environment. In addition, he recommended we move... get him away from old friends, triggers, etc.
Good Luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
if you relapse after an addiction chances are it will happen again and agin and just escalade. he needs to go to rehab, and go back everytime he relapses, there are no excuses, addiction is a serious and twisted thing.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi karepack. I am sorry that your son relapsed. Many will have a "slip" BUT get right back on the recovery wagon. If this is a relapse it just continues on and they need to get back to recovery ASAP.

Yes, relapse is very normal and happens often. Sadly for some it happens over and over and they do not seek help. For others, each time they go "back out" they realize that they need HELP again and they will seek that help. Many addicts say that the more recovery they get, the more they lean towards going back TO their recovery.

Addiction is a disease that progresses. And again, there are only three choices. Death, recovery or jail. I have yet to see a fourth choice.

Please know that we are here for you. Having boundaries with your boy is very important and it is important that you do not enable him. You don't do for him what he "could" or "should" be doing for himself. When we enable, we help to keep them sick. And sadly if they are using they WILL lie.

Please keep us posted and it would not be a bad idea to think about maybe that ultimatum where your boy knows that in order to loive with you, he MUST work his recovery program.
Blessings...
EllaBlue
deleted_user
deleted_user
from my understanding is there always a chance for a relapse .. but the big thing is does he regret it today? AA may be a good thing for him to look into..much love and hugs...
deleted_user
deleted_user
the best thing I can think of for your son to do is to cut off ties with any old friends he used to drink with and avoid places he used..

if he changed his environment maybe he would be faced with cues for cravings
deleted_user
deleted_user
wouldn't maybe opportunities to drink and cravings for alcohol would decrease
sunshine521
sunshine521
I think more people have relapses then not. Some have the first time success. I know my sister has relapsed several times. I wonnder if maybe it depends if you really want the help or if you are made to get help and how long you have been an addict.

Anyway I wish your son all the best and hopefully he will get his recovery started and on its way...they say every day is recovery when you are an addict.
Wishing you and yours all the best along this journey!
Take care,
Michelle
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