relapse research

from about.com:alcoholism;


There is evidence that approximately 90 percent of alcoholics are likely to experience at least one relapse over the 4-year period following treatment (1). Despite some promising leads, no controlled studies definitively have shown any single or combined intervention that prevents relapse in a fairly predictable manner. Thus, relapse as a central issue of alcoholism treatment warrants further study.

Modern science, both biological and behavioral, has explored a number of different leads in the quest to prevent relapse. These range from pharmacological agents, such as the serotonin uptake blockers and disulfiram, to behavior constructs, such as cue extinction and skills training. Although these are promising leads that one day may improve significantly the chances of alcohol dependent persons to continue long-term sobriety, there are no definitive answers yet to this troubling aspect of alcoholism treatment.

Although we are not yet at the point where we can state definitively what works best in preventing relapse, I firmly believe that we are on the brink of a new period in alcoholism treatment research that ultimately will help us to develop this knowledge. For the present, therapists should examine critically the evidence for new nonpharmacological approaches before initiating them.

Similarly, good clinical wisdom should discourage the use of unproven pharmacological agents to prevent alcoholism relapse until the efficacy of using such agents in this regard is proven.some sobering research about the statistics and solutions concerning relapse


i see firsthand the difficulties of maintaining sobriety.
despite the best efforts of many folks, the call of the buzz or
high can be irresistible at times. whether it's escape from pain
or desire for euphoria, the urge is rarely ever completely removed.
addiction is a complex issue, resistant to any single method of
treatment. i urge anyone in recovery to address all the
areas of their life; prayer, meetings and sponsors are
helpful, but alone, they will not keep most from using.
our mental, physical, and emotional health are
crucial in confronting the issues that cause us to drink.