Alcohol in Recovery
Having worked with addicts of all different ages, substance types, and attitudes, it has been interesting to note the commonality of the factor of alcohol. In the Utah addiction rehab where I work, we stress the importance of total abstinence in recovery from any drug, always including abstinence from alcohol.
Alcohol is a substance that depresses the central nervous system, relaxing not only muscles and nerves, but inhibitions as well. It makes an individual far more amenable to using drugs than someone who has not consumed alcohol.
Many users of Cocaine, Heroin, and prescription Opiates, for example, have come into the program stating, “Well, alcohol’s never been a problem for me. So, I think I can get away with a drink here and there.”
The problem is that the lifestyle that comes with drinking also goes hand in hand with using drugs. Old friends who used to use together may justify drinking together and end up relapsing together.
One of the #1 causes for relapse is what addiction therapists call “cross-dependencies.” Cross-dependencies are the use of any mind-altering substance other than the drug of choice.
While all other mind-altering drugs increase the risk of relapse, alcohol may actually be the worst. Marijuana, for example, increases the risk (which is already high) for relapse to three times the risk for people who do not use marijuana in recovery.
Alcohol, on the other hand, makes an individual eight times more likely to relapse than those who choose to abstain from alcohol. That is probably why many believe that if you are an addict to one substance, you should consider yourself an addict to all. And with potential overdose death on the line, it seems a small sacrifice to make. Call today to start on your way to recovery 1-877-593-6777.
