For most alcoholics, drinking in recovery quickly leads back to the same destructive cycle they worked so hard to escape. Addiction alters the brain in ways that make moderation nearly impossible, which is why lasting recovery is usually built on complete abstinence. An alcoholic who chooses not to drink again can find a healthier, more stable, and ultimately more rewarding life.
In this article, Avenues Recovery, leaders in alcohol addiction rehabilitation, discuss the background of alcohol use disorder, why staying sober is important, the differences between abstinence vs. moderate drinking, and the consequences of drinking during and after recovery.
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Key Takeaways
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What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a neurological condition where a person consistently drinks alcohol regardless of the negative side effects of alcoholism. While many people enjoy drinking alcohol, most people aren’t struggling with alcohol use disorder because they can control their alcohol intake.
People with alcohol addiction use large quantities of alcohol compulsively until they become dependent on it. This means that their bodies can not function optimally without the usual amount of alcohol in the system. Refraining from alcohol results in physical, psychological, and emotional withdrawal symptoms that drive alcoholics to drink again to relieve themselves of the symptoms.
Can an Alcoholic Drink in Moderation?
Most recovery models, including the 12-step recovery model (Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA), believe that complete abstinence is the only way to achieve sobriety. This means that alcoholics can never have another drink again because their brains aren’t wired to manage ‘just one drink.’ Alcoholics who take one drink will quickly spiral out of control and find themselves addicted again.
Moderate Drinking vs. Abstinence
Abstinence means that the alcoholic undertakes never to have a drink again. In contrast, moderate drinking involves the alcoholic learning how to drink moderately, like those who aren’t addicted to alcohol.
Although it has widely been believed that total abstinence was the only way to recovery, recent discoveries show that people struggling with mild alcohol use disorder may be able to learn moderate drinking instead. Programs like ‘moderation management’ and the like aim to help people who still have some level of control over their drinking.
Can an Alcoholic Have One Drink?
Because the brain of an addict is wired differently from a non-addict's brain, having just one drink isn’t always possible. Alcoholics crave a drink, but they aren’t usually able to stay at just one because the brain has been altered and is unable to control alcohol intake.
Even one drink during sobriety can send one back into the cycle of addiction, which is difficult to escape. Losing sobriety often brings feelings of shame, guilt, and despair, which can be tempting to numb by drinking again. This is how the cycle can continue, highlighting why recovery requires careful support and strategies to maintain lasting sobriety.
What Does Staying Sober Mean?
Staying sober means living without consuming alcohol (or other addictive substances) and maintaining a state of recovery from addiction.
Getting sober again after a relapse is especially challenging because alcoholics experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms every time they use alcohol and then stop. While some symptoms are uncomfortable, others can be downright dangerous, so it is advisable to undergo medical detox at a licensed rehab facility, hospital, or other medical institution.
Here are some of the withdrawal symptoms alcoholics experience when abstaining from alcohol:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Elevated blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Excessive sweating
- Breathing issues
So, Can Alcoholics Drink Again?
The answer depends on several factors, including history of use, level of addiction, and recovery type. Very moderate drinkers may be able to learn to control their drinking, whereas severe addicts must abstain from alcohol as long as they want to stay sober.
The reality is that successful drinking after sobriety is rare. For alcoholics ready to transform their lives and finally get sober, it may entail aiming never to drink again, or else they will be unable to stay sober for the long term.
Benefits of Never Drinking Again
An addict often cannot imagine life without alcohol or their substance of choice. Becoming sober and never drinking again may seem too overwhelming and almost impossible for alcoholics, but knowing the benefits of staying sober can help you stick to it.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Lower risk of cancer
- Lower risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Healthier eating habits and weight
- Better sleep and daily schedule
- Improved memory and cognitive function
- Improved personal relationships
- More financial stability
Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder:
If you or your loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder, the idea of achieving sobriety can feel overwhelming. Imagining life completely without alcohol may bring feelings of fear or despair. Yet recovery is possible, and with the right support and guidance, a fulfilling, alcohol-free life can become a reality.
Avenues Recovery have guided thousands of alcoholics to sobriety with our medical detox program, mental health counselors, and one-on-one and group therapies. Although alcohol may never be able to feature in the life of a recovering alcoholic, they may find that everything they gain instead - true happiness, inner peace, self-respect, genuine relationships, love, improved mental and emotional health - is well worth the trade.
Become an Alcoholic Who Won’t Drink Again
Our dedicated team has guided over 40,000 individuals toward freedom from addiction, and they can support you too. Reach out to an Avenues Recovery facility near you and take the first step toward a life of peace, balance, and lasting happiness. With compassionate guidance every step of the way, you or your loved one can begin a journey toward the sober, fulfilling life you deserve.
FAQs: Can Alcoholics Drink Again?
What is occasional drinking?
Occasional drinking refers to drinking alcohol infrequently and in small amounts, typically in social settings or on special occasions. For most people without alcohol use disorder, it means enjoying a drink now and then without experiencing negative effects or losing control. However, for someone in recovery or with a history of alcohol addiction, even occasional drinking can be risky, as it may trigger cravings and increase the chance of relapse.
Can an alcoholic become a normal drinker?
For most people with alcohol addiction, drinking ‘normally’ and in moderation isn’t possible. Even a single drink can trigger cravings and lead back to old habits. That’s why staying completely alcohol-free is usually the safest path to long-term recovery.
How can I handle cravings without drinking again?
Cravings are a natural part of recovery, but they don’t have to lead to relapse. Helpful strategies include:
- Calling a sponsor, friend, or trusted support person.
- Practicing grounding techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness.
- Avoiding high-risk situations such as bars or social events centered on alcohol.
- Engaging in healthy activities like exercise, journalling, or hobbies.
- Seeking professional support if cravings feel overwhelming.
At Avenues Recovery, our programs teach practical, personalized strategies to manage cravings and provide a strong support system so you never have to face them alone.
Are you always an alcoholic?
Alcohol use disorder is a lifelong condition, which means someone who has struggled with addiction always carries a risk of relapse. Even after years of sobriety, it’s important to remain mindful and take steps to protect recovery. That said, with ongoing support, healthy habits, and coping strategies, one can live a full, rewarding life free from alcohol.