Defining Relapse: A Rehearsal for Success

Those trying to control their drinking may see relapse as a looming threat. But we needn’t view our setbacks or slip-ups as a return to square one. Relapses could turn out to be successes rather than failures in our quest to control our drinking. How so? Let’s discuss it in this blog post!

What Exactly Is a Relapse?

A relapse is the return to a former behavior — in our case, drinking — after a period of recovery, or after a period of improvement or abstinence. Is it a failure, though? Hardly.

The human brain values consistency, predictability, and comfort. So once you get used to having a pint or two, your brain starts to anticipate it and forges neuronal highways specifically devoted to your drinking habits, kind of like well-traveled footpaths.

A Tale of Two Minds

The release of a neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain's reward system is what causes us to feel good, relaxed, or even euphoric when we drink alcohol. Over time, the brain begins to associate drinking with these pleasant feelings, leading to cravings.

Because the habit develops in the more primitive "lower" brain, also referred to as the lizard brain, which is in charge of automatic urges that serve as the foundation for repetitive behaviors, a paradox can emerge when there is a disconnect with the higher-level prefrontal cortex responsible for making conscious decisions. Try as we might to stop, the cravings that sustain a habit are naturally created and undermine our efforts.

The Power of Triggers

Have you ever smelled freshly baked cookies and wanted one right away? That's your brain associating that heavenly aroma with the taste of cookies, triggering the craving. The same phenomenon can happen when you drink; specific situations, places, people, or emotions can trigger your brain's memory of drinking and make you crave alcohol. A difficult day at work, social events, or even the sight of a wine bottle could be among these triggers.

Your brain must adjust to this new reality when you decide to stop or reduce your drinking, much like tuning a radio to a new frequency. This can be a difficult process, especially when those ingrained neurological pathways keep luring us back to our old drinking habits. It's a struggle that can ultimately result in a relapse.

The Power of Neuroplasticity

Our brains can be altered and are malleable, a quality known as neuroplasticity. Every time you resist the impulse to drink, you're forging a new neuronal pathway in your brain that signals, "I don't need alcohol to have fun." And over time, this new pathway can end up being your brain's default path. Amazing, isn't it?

Stepping Back To Leap Forward

Relapsing doesn't mean that you've failed or have to start over from scratch. On the contrary, it's a chance for learning and improvement.

Identify any triggers that may have led you to relapse so you can avoid them in the future. Consider the relapse as a teaching opportunity that will improve your ability to recognize triggers in the future. It's like the saying goes, "Fall seven times, stand up eight."

For assistance navigating this path, speak with experts like therapists, counselors, or support groups. When times are hard, they can provide coping mechanisms, ways to deal with triggers, and a sympathetic ear. Relapses do not indicate failure; they are merely a stage of the recovery process. Relapses are rehearsals for success, so keep that in mind! Keep growing, learning, and progressing, one step at a time.

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