Can Alcoholics Drink Again?
Alcohol addiction is a complex and deeply personal struggle. Going through therapy, engaging in alcohol treatment, and committing to sobriety are major steps toward reclaiming your life. But even after making great progress, many in recovery eventually wonder: Can alcoholics drink again?
The journey to long-term recovery is rarely a straight line. It’s not uncommon for someone who has stopped drinking to feel tempted at some point — whether it’s at a celebration, dinner, or moment of stress — and wonder if they could have “just one” drink. In this post, we’ll explore this sensitive topic and help you understand whether or not it’s safe or realistic for alcoholics to drink in moderation.
Can Alcoholics Drink Again?
The question of whether alcoholics can drink again doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. It depends on several factors, including the severity of the person’s alcohol use disorder (AUD), their history with alcohol abuse, their current state of recovery, and the type of treatment programs or support systems they have in place.
Once the individual has crossed the borderline from heavy drinking to irresponsible alcoholic drinking, there seems to be no retreat. Few alcoholics deliberately try to drink themselves into trouble, but trouble seems to be the inevitable consequence of an alcoholic’s drinking. After quitting for a period, the alcoholic may feel it is safe to try a few beers or a few glasses of wine. This can mislead the person into drinking only with meals. But it is not too long before the alcoholic is back in the old pattern of too-heavy drinking — in spite of all efforts to set limits for only moderate, social drinking. That leaves two paths open: to let your drinking become worse and worse with all the damaging results that follow, or to quit completely and to develop a new pattern of sober, constructive living.
This will help you better understand the risks involved with controlled drinking and why, for most people with addiction to alcohol, staying completely alcohol-free is the safest and healthiest option.
Why Alcoholics Can’t Have One Drink
At first glance, the idea of controlled drinking might seem harmless — after all, people without addiction can drink in moderation without consequences. But for someone with alcohol use disorder, it’s rarely that simple.
Here’s why alcoholics typically can’t have “just one” drink:
Biological Changes in the Brain
Alcohol abuse changes brain chemistry, especially in areas linked to reward, decision-making, and impulse control. Even one drink can reactivate the brain’s cravings and trigger addictive drinking behavior. (For more on this, check out what part of the brain does alcohol affect).High Risk of Relapsing
For many alcoholics, one drink leads to two, then more. The quote "one drink is too many, and a thousand is not enough" is often used to describe the experience of alcohol addiction or the difficulty of controlling alcohol consumption when struggling with a drinking problem. It highlights the paradoxical nature of addiction, where even a single drink can be a trigger, and the urge for more becomes overwhelming. The risk of developing a pattern of relapse is extremely high once alcohol consumption is reintroduced.Loss of Progress in Recovery
Years of progress can unravel quickly after a relapse. Drinking can damage personal relationships, careers, health, and the hard-earned stability of long-term recovery.Experience Withdrawal Symptoms
Even after periods of sobriety, drinking can reactivate the cycle of physical dependence, leading to alcoholic withdrawal and the need for medical care.
What Happens When an Alcoholic Starts Drinking Again
When someone with alcohol use disorder starts drinking again, several things can happen:
Physical Relapse
Even small amounts of alcohol can reignite physical cravings, making it extremely difficult to stop drinking once started again.
Emotional and Mental Impact
The guilt, shame, and frustration that follow a relapse can trigger depression, anxiety, or even suicidal thoughts, which put the person’s recovery — and life — at risk.
Damage to Personal Relationships
A relapse can strain or break relationships with partners, family, and friends, leading to isolation and loss of crucial support systems.
Increased Tolerance and Escalation
After abstinence, tolerance to alcohol may decrease, but once a person resumes drinking, they often escalate quickly to previous levels, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning or hospitalization.
Disruption of Daily Life
A relapse often disrupts work, finances, and commitments, unraveling the stability that recovery helped rebuild.
How to Control the Urge to Drink
Resisting the urge to drink is essential for anyone in recovery. Here are some tips:
Practice Self-Awareness
Identify your triggers — people, places, or emotions that make you want to drink — and develop a plan to avoid or manage them. Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is gently distract yourself from overwhelming thoughts or emotions.
When you’re feeling frustrated — whether it’s with your partner, your job, or the car that just cut you off — intentionally shifting your focus can help. You might take a walk, call a friend, watch a funny video, or, if you’re on the road, sing along to your favorite song.
It’s often surprising how quickly a change in focus can improve your mood. While it doesn’t solve the root issue, it allows your emotions to settle, offers fresh perspective, and helps you approach the situation or person with a clearer, calmer mindset.
However, if the same person or situation keeps triggering intense reactions, it may be worth exploring what deeper patterns or needs are at play.
Lean on Support Groups
Organizations like AA, SMART Recovery, or other community groups offer support and accountability when you’re struggling with alcohol cravings. This is almost impossible to do alone so community and fellowship is imperative (the plus is a new group of authentic friends)!
Focus on Healthy Distractions
Exercise, hobbies, creative outlets, or mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and keep your mind off alcohol consumption. Podcasts are a great distraction. Some I recommend: Sober Powered, Sober Cast, One Day at a Time Podcast, The Addicted Mind, The Sober Mom Life, Recovery Elevator, and This Naked Mind.
Strengthen Your Support System
Surround yourself with people who understand and support your sobriety. Talk openly with loved ones about your urges and enlist their help.
Seek Professional Help
If cravings become overwhelming, reach out to a therapist or counselor specializing in alcohol treatment and relapse prevention. One of the biggest barriers that keeps people from seeking help for alcohol use disorder is shame. Many worry they’ll be judged, seen as weak, or viewed as a failure if they admit they need help. Going to a treatment center may be the best option to focus on you. The truth is, there’s absolutely no shame in going to rehab — in fact, it’s one of the bravest and most life-affirming decisions a person can make.
Rehab isn’t a sign of defeat; it’s a sign of strength, self-awareness, and the willingness to create a better life. It means you’ve recognized that your relationship with alcohol isn’t working, and you’re ready to break free from destructive patterns.
It’s also important to remember that addiction to alcohol is a medical condition, not a moral flaw. Just like we seek treatment for physical illnesses, getting help for alcohol abuse is part of taking care of your health and well-being.
(For more strategies, visit how to stay sober).
What to Do if an Alcoholic Starts Drinking Again
If you’re part of an alcoholic’s support system and they start drinking again, here’s what you can do:
Approach with Compassion
Avoid blame or anger. Express concern, listen without judgment, and let them know you care about their well-being.
Encourage Professional Help
Help them connect with treatment programs, a therapist, or their doctor to assess the situation and create a plan to stop drinking.
Reconnect with Support Groups
Gently encourage them to return to meetings or group settings where they can find accountability and shared experiences.
Create a Safe Environment
Remove alcohol from the home, if possible, and help establish routines that support long-term recovery.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting someone in recovery can be draining. Join support groups like Al-Anon to ensure you have emotional resources and boundaries in place.
Final Thoughts
The idea of returning to “normal” drinking behavior may feel tempting or hopeful for some alcoholics, but for most, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. Addiction to alcohol is not just a habit — it’s a chronic condition that requires ongoing attention, care, and support.
While some may dream of someday drinking in moderation, the reality is that abstinence offers the best chance at freedom, health, and happiness. With the right support, treatment programs, and coping tools, long-term recovery is not just possible — it’s transformational.
“Sobriety is the moment you break free from the cocoon — not because you are finished, but because you are ready to become who you were always meant to be.” 🦋
About Kathy:
Kathy Murphy is a Certified Professional Recovery and Life Coach. She uses her own experience, strength, and hope to guide her clients to a life of sobriety. Feel free to connect with her at www.KMsobercoach.com or email kathy@kmsobercoach.com.
