Relapse of alcohol abuse and dependence
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Relapse of alcohol abuse and dependence
Relapse related to alcohol use means that a person has returned to drinking after a period of successful avoidance. Most people who stop drinking because of alcohol abuse or dependence have at least one relapse.
Relapses are most likely to happen in the first few months after drinking has stopped. A person may have several relapses regardless of whether he or she has received professional treatment. However, as time goes on, relapses usually occur less frequently and do not last very long. Having a relapse is not a reason to give up on treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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