What is the likelihood of relapse in serious alcohol dependence after rehab at 6, 12, 24 months?

Answer 1

6 months - you'll still remember how difficult rehab was, so if you haven't already relapsed, it shouldn't be much of a problem.
12 months - temptation to reward yourself on an anniversary for having stuck out so long = big danger point. ONE drink can undo all the hard graft
24 months - like 12 months but not so strong a pull
5 years - as difficult as 12 months & just as dangerous
7 years - you'd be surprised just how many people relapse after 7 years and end up dying from the effects
After 7 years - not enough genuine survivors to ask

Answer 2

An alcoholic will always be an alcoholic, even when he's quit, just like a smoker or a drug user will always have the urge to partake. The difference is, is that a quitter has chosen to refrain from their "drug", but it will always be there to tempt them. Many people quit for good, but it is a difficult path , especially when any kind of trauma or stress comes into your life which makes you reach for that "prop". Everybody is different, so there is no likelihood of a relapse on any set time or ever. The liklihood can depend, however, on the strength and determination of the person in question.

Answer 3

There is always a risk involved no matter how long you have been of it,but a lot depends on the person and how much they want to turn their lives around,it's a hard one to answer as every one is different,but I'm a recovering alcoholic and it was a very hard job getting to where i am today,but the temptation is still there as it's all around you,where ever you go,but it is very probable that the person has been to hell and back too many times,and has at last said that's it enough is enough,I'm not going down that road again for anyone,as sometimes we have to reach rock bottom before we admit to having a problem,as i found we were not only battling with ourselves but sadly society, as well,but i think things have got a bit better now,i hope this has helped you with your question

Answer 4

If you have an addiction, it is forever. All you can do is get by one day at a time for the rest of your life. Addicts think after 10 years "One more time won't hurt!" then wonder how they end up back in the same old patterns. The only good thing is that as each day goes by, you become prouder of your ability to stay straight and are less likely to want to throw it away. It's not easy staying away from your addiction but it is possible. Others like George Best never beat it despite health issues and rehab. I'm an addict of booze, codeine, cigarettes, cannabis, I just don't use them today, yesterday and hopefully I won't use them tomorrow. This philosophy has lasted 8 years so far. I don't know how long I'll be straight for but today will do for now.

Answer 5

The same likelihood it would be if it was 7,13,25 months.
...Or a day or 27 days..etc.
The individual concerned is the only one who can make that final decision to not drink anymore. When he/she is ready to put the bottle down, then they will.
The only hope is that whoever concerned has seen what his/her behaviour has done, and is continually doing whilst drinking. And must now realise that the time has come to finally put an end to this misery and seek help.
Many alcoholics look to find any excuse to justify having a drink..."I lost my job, i 'need' a drink",..."My football team lost, i 'need' a drink"..the list is endless. Only when an admittance of dependancy is reached can an alcoholic ever hope to move forward. I believe any one who is now a dependant on alcohol/an alcoholic, has it in them to quit. The secret is to find like minded people who are as determined in quitting, and that means Alcoholic Anonymous. There is no other way.
And you must believe you can do it, you can only take it one day at a time.

Answer 6

after rehab of 100 ppl only 1/3rd are sober 6mo if that many. 1 yr only 5 ppl are sober. 2 yrs 1 or 2 ppl are sober.but the odds of relapsing are always changing due to the fact that recovery is a long and hard process. i've not used or drank in while.this i did on my own.yes i went to a program 9/05 at the va hospital near me.just remember that its a total life change.you have to change your lifestyle to a no drink or drugs. do alot of meetings and get a sponsor to work the steps with and one u can talk to openly and honestly.be honest to your self. one day at a time or a second at a time.

Answer 7

Sobriety's a life style...till the day you die you will be a recovering alcoholic...what I'm trying to say is for any reason you can talk your self into having another drink..even after 10 years in rehab wont guarantee you sobriety.Your brain will always try to remind you of ooh how good it felt...that's where the 12 step comes in and a sponsor..for your own sake .You need not to pick up that first drink...get in a dependency program and try what ever works ,,but meetings have to be Incorporated...they are your support...you can not think that your strong enough by your self ever! .good luck.

Answer 8

I will be celebrating my 20th AA birthday November 19, 2006. It has not been easy but it's a hell of a lot better than drinking until you pass out every night. Go to AA meetings, that truly is the medicine you need to keep sober. Talk to you AA friends about your concerns about staying sober. Read the big book. Pray to your higher power for strength. There are alot of us old drunks that have stayed sober quite a while, and our life is happy and fulfilled. I wish you the same. Try 90 meetings in 90 days, try 2 or 3 meetings a day. Whatever it takes. I will pray for you.

Answer 9

Depends on the heart of the person who's the alcoholic. Do they themselves really want to change? The world is a much better place without it. Through Christ all things are possible. Prayers are with you.

Answer 10

it all depends on the persons mind if their strong then i would think they could stay off the drink for years to come . And people around them need to respect that they are tryin so would and should support them