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Is it possible to drink 'socially' when recovering from alcohol addiction ?

10 Answers
Last Updated: 10/23/2018 at 12:25am
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Top Rated Answers
bestTruth96
January 9th, 2015 2:58am
No! Alcoholism is a disease. It is like a switch. Either it is on or it is off. For an alcoholic the switch is on!
dkotabarrios
April 6th, 2015 8:05pm
First of all, you don't ever recover from alcoholism... once you are addicted to alcohol, you will always be addicted to alcohol. Second of all, if you suffer from alcoholism you shouldn't drink at all let alone drink socially.
GPadadakis
May 11th, 2015 5:56pm
I don't think it helps. Alcohol addiction is there, either socially or not. Also depends on the individual.
originalLion57
June 4th, 2015 8:50pm
I don't think so, because it can trigger your uge to binge drink and might be incredibly hard not to go overboard with drinking. It's probably best to avoid it at all costs, especially in the beginning.
2driver2
September 15th, 2015 12:53am
Never. Alcohol addiction must be treated like any other addiction. Clean and sober means you never consume alcohol.
Soldrew2015
December 8th, 2015 2:20pm
you got to have strong will for that to happen. There was a time I decided to quit my addiction towards alcohol. For so many months no one can make me drink even a drop. But there came the annual festival. I just can't miss the fun but I was able to settle to two bottles. There was a peer pressure but my desire for change gave me control.
LucyInTheSky
May 24th, 2016 2:56pm
No, when recovering from any addiction, it is important to abstain from all chemically altering substances. Someone who has had an alcohol addiction cannot just have one drink and be okay.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2018 4:46am
Eventually, yes, most people will be able to go back to drinking socially again after recovering from an alcohol addiction. However, for most people, in order to go back to being able to just drink socially again they may need to have a period of time when they don't drink at all (in order to be able to establish new drinking patterns and break old bad habits around drinking). For example Moderation Management suggests you abstain for 30 days before attempting to drink socially again. It really depends on the person, and some people may need longer or shorter than other people to get free to the urge and triggers to over-drink. In the end it may not be possible, or in the best interests, of everyone who's had a problem with alcohol to go back to drinking socially. I you do decide to drink socially while still in recovery from an addiction, then try and practice harm reduction and keep yourself and those around you as safe as you can.
Anonymous
August 12th, 2018 1:22pm
I don't believe so, personally, not for someone who a true addiction at some point in their life
OrionsFriend
October 23rd, 2018 12:25am
In my experience, If the person was really addicted I don't recommend It. Although It's not Impossible I think It's highly unlikely that He/She Will keep It social for a long time. When Self-Steem is high and things are working well It's easier to drink just a little, but If something upsetting happens , the chances of relapse are high. It's also important to remember that any substance addiction is a treatable but serious condition that should be dealt with at a professional level. That being said It's also extremely important to have a supportive social environment (supportive groups like "Alcoholics Anonymous" are really helpful for example.) Anyone that seeks help can be cured of this illness, but It takes discipline, patience and resiliency.