What To Say To Someone Who Has Relapsed With Alcohol?
NIAAA says many people with alcohol use disorder do recover, but "setbacks are common among people in treatment." A relapse is a reason to get support again, not proof that treatment failed. Encourage the person to contact their doctor or treatment provider.
Free download
Standard Drinks Cheat Sheet (PDF): How many US standard drinks and UK units are in beer, wine, spirits and liqueurs, by can, glass and bottle. 33 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.What NIAAA says about setbacks
NIAAA states that “many people with AUD do recover” and that “setbacks are common among people in treatment.” It says seeking professional help early can help prevent a return to drinking.
What can help the person
- Behavioral therapies that teach how to manage triggers such as stress
- Medications that can help during higher-risk periods, such as a divorce or a death in the family
- Mutual-support groups, which are usually low cost or free and can be online
NIAAA lists three FDA-approved medications (naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram) and says none are addictive. A doctor decides whether one fits.
Support for you
NIAAA’s Alcohol Treatment Navigator lists Al-Anon for friends and families of problem drinkers and CRAFT, a nonconfrontational method for encouraging a loved one into treatment.
Phone numbers
- SAMHSA 24-hour Help Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
We found no official source that gives exact words to say, so keep it simple: tell the person you are there and offer to help them contact their provider.
People also ask
Is relapse a failure?
NIAAA says setbacks are common among people in treatment, and many people with AUD do recover.
How can I help someone who relapsed?
Encourage them to contact their doctor or treatment provider. NIAAA's Treatment Navigator and the SAMHSA helpline (1-800-662-HELP) can help find care.
Is there help for family members?
Yes. NIAAA lists Al-Anon and CRAFT-based resources for families.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
