Relapse Risks in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders

Abstract Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a very common problem and very often treatment regimens are unsuccessful due to relapse. AUD relapse is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and sociological factors. This chapter focuses on the psychosocial risks for relapse in AUD patients, and considers the meaning of recovery based on a typical recovery process model for addiction. Recovering from an AUD means breaking out of a lifestyle dependent on a dependence-producing drug, correcting old patterns of thought and action, and adopting a new way of life that does not require intoxication by drugs. Psychological risk factors for AUD relapse include strong cravings for alcohol associated with behavior patterns that lead to drinking and psychological dependence, distorted cognition, and a decline in the degree of self-disclosure. Sociological (environmental) risk factors for relapse include interpersonal relationships and family relationships. Resilience is essential for AUD patients to achieve recovery.