Relapse in Recovering Alchoholics

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are the most serious substance abuse problems in the United States, yet little is known about the biological and environmental factors that lead people to drink excessively and how these factors interact (Hunt, 1994). Neuroscientific research is looking at how alcohol affects the brain to help understand alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Alcohol affects several neurological functions because of its ability to move into both water and fat. It affects cell membranes and disturbs their function and the function of molecules and other structures within cells which are responsible for communication between cells.

Research has suggested that alcohol exerts its depressant effect by enhancing the action of the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain - gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Other studies suggest that areas of the limbic system in the brain play an important role in the rein

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hs they have and learn to use them effectively. Coping-responses from other areas of life may be effective in addressing drinking situations, and it is important to rely on significant others - spouses, friends and employers - willing to provide support and help in tackling the problem. It is important for patients to remember that having a wide range of coping resources, rather than a more restricted repertoire, will improve their chances for preventing relapse. Studies carried out on more than 3,000 patients treated at a Maryland facility suggest that two-thirds of patients who relapse do so in the stabilization/early recovery phases, with the average length of sobriety being less than a year (Thomas, 1994). Two-thirds of people seeking treatment will relapse at least once, and one-third of that group will become chronic relapsers, never achieving significant long-term, quality sobriety. Two-thirds also appear to relapse over addictive core issues which are impacted by psychological core issues. The addictive core issues include never fully accepting the diagnosis of addiction, testing out the "loss of control theory", and failure to make lifestyle modifications for recovery. An inadequate recovery program - not enoug
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Approximate Word count = 2231
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)