Alcohol Addiction Archives - South Florida Drug Rehabilitation | Simple Path Recovery

Alcoholics Anonymous Success Rates: What the Data Really Shows—and Why Outpatient Treatment Matters

Matthew Mojave — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:18:30 +0000

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most well-known recovery program in the world. For decades, millions of people struggling with alcohol addiction have turned to AA meetings hoping to find lasting sobriety. But if you’ve searched for “Alcoholics Anonymous success rate,” you’ve likely found conflicting information—and for good reason.

Understanding the true success rate of AA requires looking beyond simple statistics. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine what the research actually shows about AA effectiveness, why outcomes vary so dramatically, and how combining AA with professional outpatient alcohol treatment can significantly improve your chances of long-term recovery.

What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Before diving into AA success rates, it’s important to understand what Alcoholics Anonymous actually offers—and what it doesn’t.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a free, peer-led, 12-step recovery program founded in 1935. The program centers around:

Group meetings where members share their experiences with alcohol addiction
Peer sponsorship from members who have achieved sustained sobriety
Spiritual growth through working the 12 steps
Community support from others who understand addiction firsthand

What AA is not:

AA is not clinical treatment
AA does not provide medical intervention
AA is not led by licensed addiction counselors or therapists
AA does not offer individualized treatment plans

This distinction is crucial when evaluating AA’s effectiveness as a standalone intervention versus part of a comprehensive recovery approach.

What Is the Actual Success Rate of AA?

The question “What is the success rate of Alcoholics Anonymous?” doesn’t have a simple answer. Research on AA effectiveness has produced widely varying results, and understanding why requires examining the data closely.

High Dropout Rates Within the First Year

One of the most significant challenges in measuring AA success rates is retention. Studies consistently show:

Approximately 40% of newcomers stop attending within the first 90 days
Only about 10-15% of people who start AA remain active members after one year
Many people attend a few meetings and never return

Long-Term Abstinence When AA Is the Only Intervention

When looking at people who rely solely on AA without any professional treatment:

Research suggests abstinence rates of 5-10% after one year
Long-term sobriety (5+ years) is achieved by a small minority
Outcomes improve significantly for those who remain actively engaged

Better Outcomes When Combined with Professional Treatment

Here’s where the data becomes more encouraging. Studies consistently show that AA success rates improve dramatically when combined with evidence-based professional treatment:

Individuals who combine AA with outpatient treatment show 40-60% improvement in outcomes
Those who engage with both AA and professional therapy are more likely to achieve sustained sobriety
The combination approach addresses gaps that AA alone cannot fill

Why AA Success Rates Vary So Widely

Understanding why Alcoholics Anonymous success rates fluctuate so dramatically helps explain why some people thrive in the program while others struggle.

Factors That Influence Individual Outcomes

Severity of Alcohol Use Disorder: People with more severe addiction often need more intensive intervention than peer support alone can provide.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: Approximately 50% of people with substance use disorders also have a mental health condition. AA is not equipped to address depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychiatric issues.

Access to Comprehensive Treatment: Geographic location, financial resources, and insurance coverage affect whether someone can access professional treatment alongside AA.

Level of Engagement: Active participation—attending meetings regularly, working with a sponsor, completing the steps—correlates with better outcomes than passive attendance.

What AA Does NOT Provide

To understand AA’s limitations as a standalone treatment, consider what the program cannot offer:

Clinical assessments to identify underlying issues
Evidence-based therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Medication management for withdrawal, cravings, or co-occurring disorders
Structured relapse prevention planning tailored to individual triggers
Dual-diagnosis treatment for simultaneous mental health and addiction issues

These gaps don’t diminish AA’s value—they simply highlight why professional treatment often needs to complement the peer support AA provides.

Why Outpatient Addiction Treatment Improves Outcomes

Outpatient alcohol treatment addresses many of the limitations of AA as a standalone intervention. Quality outpatient programs offer:

Individual Therapy

One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist help you:

Identify and process underlying trauma
Develop personalized coping strategies
Address negative thought patterns that fuel addictive behavior
Work through relationship and family issues connected to addiction

Group Therapy

Unlike AA meetings (which focus on sharing experiences), clinical group therapy:

Is facilitated by trained professionals
Uses evidence-based therapeutic approaches
Provides structured skill-building exercises
Addresses specific topics like communication, boundaries, and emotional regulation

Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

For the approximately 50% of people with co-occurring mental health conditions, dual-diagnosis treatment is essential. This approach:

Treats addiction and mental health simultaneously
Prevents untreated psychiatric issues from derailing recovery
Uses integrated care from professionals trained in both areas

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

FDA-approved medications can significantly improve recovery outcomes by:

Reducing cravings for alcohol
Managing withdrawal symptoms safely
Addressing co-occurring depression or anxiety
Supporting long-term abstinence

Relapse Prevention Planning

Professional treatment includes comprehensive relapse prevention that:

Identifies your unique triggers
Develops personalized coping strategies
Creates accountability structures
Provides ongoing support during high-risk situations

AA vs Outpatient Treatment: It’s Not Either/Or

One of the biggest misconceptions about addiction recovery is that you must choose between AA and professional treatment. In reality, the most successful recovery outcomes come from combining both approaches.

Comparing the Benefits

What AA Provides	What Outpatient Treatment Provides
Free, lifelong peer support	Clinical assessment and diagnosis
Community of people who understand addiction	Evidence-based therapeutic interventions
Structured 12-step framework	Medication management when appropriate
Sponsor relationships	Licensed therapists and counselors
Meetings available nearly everywhere	Dual-diagnosis treatment
Spiritual component for those who want it	Individualized treatment plans

The Power of Combining Both

When you participate in both AA and outpatient treatment, you benefit from:

Professional guidance to address clinical issues AA cannot treat
Peer support that extends beyond therapy sessions
Multiple accountability structures to keep you on track
Community connection that continues after formal treatment ends
Evidence-based tools combined with real-world wisdom from those in recovery

Research consistently shows that this combination produces the highest success rates for long-term sobriety.

Why People Relapse Without Professional Support

Understanding why relapse occurs helps illustrate why professional treatment matters. Common reasons people relapse when relying solely on AA include:

Unaddressed Trauma

Many people develop alcohol addiction as a way to cope with past trauma. Without professional help to process these experiences, the underlying pain remains—and continues to drive addictive behavior.

Untreated Mental Health Conditions

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions frequently co-occur with addiction. When these remain untreated:

Symptoms may worsen during early recovery
The person may return to alcohol to self-medicate
Mood instability makes sustained recovery extremely difficult

Poor Coping Skills

Active addiction often prevents people from developing healthy coping mechanisms. Professional treatment teaches:

Stress management techniques
Emotional regulation skills
Healthy communication patterns
Strategies for managing triggers and cravings

Without these skills, even committed AA members may struggle when life becomes challenging.

Choosing the Right Outpatient Addiction Center

If you’re considering outpatient treatment to complement your AA participation—or as your primary treatment approach—here’s what to look for:

Accreditation and Licensing

Ensure the facility is properly licensed and accredited by relevant state and national organizations.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Quality programs use proven methods such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma-informed care

Dual-Diagnosis Capabilities

Look for programs that can treat co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction.

Individualized Treatment Plans

Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches. Your treatment should be tailored to your specific needs, history, and goals.

Qualified Staff

Ensure counselors and therapists hold appropriate licenses and have specific training in addiction treatment.

Aftercare Planning

Good programs help you plan for ongoing support after formal treatment ends, including connections to AA and other community resources.

Flexible Scheduling

Outpatient treatment should accommodate your work, family, and other responsibilities while providing the intensity you need.

Final Takeaway: What the Success Rate of AA Really Means

So what does the Alcoholics Anonymous success rate really tell us? The data shows that AA alone produces modest results, but AA combined with professional treatment produces significantly better outcomes.

The key insights:

AA provides valuable peer support that many people find essential for long-term recovery
Professional treatment addresses clinical needs that AA was never designed to handle
The combination approach produces the highest success rates
Individual factors matter—severity of addiction, co-occurring disorders, and level of engagement all influence outcomes

If you’re evaluating your options for alcohol addiction recovery, don’t think of it as AA versus treatment. The evidence strongly supports pursuing both.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At Simple Path Recovery, we offer comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment designed to complement your recovery journey—whether you’re active in AA, considering it, or exploring other paths to sobriety.

Our programs include:

Individual therapy with licensed addiction counselors
Group therapy sessions
Dual-diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
Medication-assisted treatment when appropriate
Personalized relapse prevention planning
Flexible outpatient scheduling

You don’t have to choose between community support and professional treatment. Contact Simple Path Recovery today to learn how our outpatient programs can help you achieve lasting recovery.

About the Author
Matthew Mojave is a member of the Simple Path Recovery team and contributes educational content focused on mental health, addiction recovery, and overall wellness for individuals and families seeking support.

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Four Things That Recovery is NOT

Matthew Koenig — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 18:37:20 +0000

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Alcohol is a Substance

Matthew Koenig — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 18:04:41 +0000

Is alcohol a substance? To answer this query, another question must be asked: Does the substance alter your mood? Alcohol is a depressant that quickly changes the central nervous system. When people drink alcohol, their physical and cognitive functions become compromised. In fact, it is the oldest and most widely abused substance on the planet.

As drinking increases, most start to experience tremors, rapid pulse, elevated blood pressure, rapid breathing, sweating, and nausea. Simple Path Recovery helps many people overcome their addiction to alcohol. If you are struggling with alcoholism, our treatment programs can help you get sober and stay that way.

Story of Alcohol

The history of alcohol goes a long way back. The first archeologic proof is dated to 7000 BC. Interestingly enough, alcohol has played a key role in the survival of early people. Why? The process of fermentation preserves and improves the dietary value of drinks and food. Once this discovery was made, alcohol became a commodity for trade and protected the health of the wealthy. Those on poverty levels drank water that could be easily contaminated from unsanitary conditions which spread disease.

When Drinking Goes Beyond Socializing

How would you describe your drinking routine? Maybe it’s hanging out with friends and having a good time. However, when people think of alcoholics most conjure up stereotypes that do not quite fit your picture of an alcoholic. For example, a wino sitting outside drinking out of a paper bag. Alcoholism manifests itself in so many ways. You might only struggle to control your drinking and not consider yourself truly addicted. However, when you can’t just have two drinks for entire evening without feeling anxious, withdrawn, or agitated, then you might be on your way to alcoholism.

Your Mental Health and Alcoholism

If you've been drinking for a long time, you may have noticed your tolerance has increased over time. Tolerance leads to you drinking more to attain the same sensation Chronic drinkers often suffer from a condition called “wet brain.” This disorder is a result of chronic alcohol abuse. This syndrome is a form of dementia that is a result of a shortage of thiamine. thiamin is necessary for the growth, development and function of cells. Alcohol inhibits the body’s ability to absorb this vital brain nutrient.

Simple Path Recovery is an oceanside, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as a Top Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.

About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.

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Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

Matthew Koenig — Tue, 18 May 2021 14:37:45 +0000

A Story of Addiction Stigma

Years ago, my then girlfriend and I were invited to a dinner party with four other couples. As we sat down to dinner, everyone was making chit-chat or catching up on the latest events in their respective families. As things quieted down, a woman named Deb called across the table and asked one of the other women “did you hear about so-and-so’s daughter?” The reply was “no, is everything all right with her?” Deb lowered her head and in a loud whisper voice replied “drugs, rehab.” To which the other woman responded, “that’s too bad.” After a few minutes of grazing on our salads, I kicked my girlfriend’s leg and asked Deb how the young girl was doing. Without missing a bite of her salad, Deb replied “oh, I don’t know.” We continued to enjoy our meal and conversation when Deb asked me “what do you do for a living Matt?” I told her I was a marketing director for a boutique rehab nearby. She followed up with “how did you get into that?” I quickly told her that I was a recovering drug addict and alcoholic and went back to eating my dinner with a smile on my face.

The look on her face as her jaw dropped was priceless. While I could have explained that I have been a marketing professional for a long time, I could not resist and gave Deb what she had coming, and she seemed awkward for the remainder of the evening. Maybe she will think twice about stigmatizing people with addiction and learn to be kind in the future (although, I would bet against it!)

Addiction Stigma

Stigma is described as a set of negative attitudes that a group or society holds about a topic or group of people. According to the World Health Organization, stigma is a key cause of bias and rejection and it adds to the abuse of human rights. When an individual feels stigmatized, they are seen as less than because of their real or perceived health condition. Stigma is typically not based on facts but rather on assumptions, preconceptions, and gossip; therefore, its negative impact can be prevented or reduced through education. Stigma results in prejudice, avoidance, rejection, and discrimination against people who have a socially objectionable trait such as drug addiction or alcoholism.

Family, friends, and a community can carry damaging feelings about people suffering addiction. They use pejorative phrases like “junkie,” “drunk,” or “crackhead.” These thoughts, feelings, and labels can create and perpetuate stigma. This is not helpful but only harmful to those suffering from the 2^nd largest health crisis in America – addiction. It was number one but swiftly replaced by Covid-19.

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Are You Ready for Addiction Treatment?

Matthew Koenig — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:34:24 +0000

In 2020, Covid-19 created a new set of drinkers and recreational drug users. With overwhelming isolation and boredom, it’s not hard to understand how someone can fall victim to temptation when normally they were adverse. At the same time, those teens and adults who were already “active” took their game to the next level, for the very same reason. What has happened is a huge spike in behavioral health / addiction problems that has led our country to what will account to about 82,000 drug overdose deaths in 2020 (an increase of over 10,000 from 2019). The point to all of this is simply that addiction is slippery slope and it’s not hard to get into the deep end of the pool quickly.

Increased Alcohol & Drug Use

Alcohol and drugs change how your brain handles emotions or feelings. Substances prevent the signals sent from one neuron to another. For example, drugs like heroin, can act as a neurotransmitter, a chemical at the end of a nerve that delivers responses to other nerves because they can imitate the chemicals produced by your brain. Other drugs like cocaine can trigger an irregular amount of natural neurotransmitters or block neurotransmitters’ reuse. Whether the substance is cocaine, marijuana, alcohol or an opioid, all substances hinder with the brain’s natural message structure.

Think about this way: when you first use a substance, you didn’t need a lot to get high or tipsy. At first, you used what your friends were using. The use became a part of regular social situations. However, as time went by, you noted you required more to achieve the same effect. At the same time, increased use of a substance amplifies the risk of long-term damage to your brain, organs, or mood. This could suggest that it’s time to get help for substance use disorder (SUD).

Time for Florida Addiction Treatment

Once you make a decision to change, it is time to think about going to rehab. Drug and alcohol treatment should incorporate detoxification, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient therapy. Substance abuse treatment is the first step to take back your self-control. Whether you decide to stop using because of consequences or an increased need for substances, you are choosing to take back your life. Make an appointment with an admissions counselor at Simple Path Recovery and discuss your drug and alcohol use, goals, and level of care you might need. Thorough addiction treatment creates a groundwork for a healthy, long-term recovery journey.

Simple Path Recovery is a oceanside, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as a Top Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.

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Al-Anon: Why it Works

Matthew Koenig — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:04:56 +0000

Most Americans have traveled sufficiently on airplanes to be able to regurgitate the safety instructions given by cabin crew before takeoff. The safety instructions discuss where the exits are and using your seat belt effectively. However, there is that part at the end that discusses loss of cabin pressure. If you’re not familiar, it goes like this:

“In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child or someone who needs assistance traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs.”

It makes sense, right? You can’t effectively help someone else unless you can get the oxygen first. This is what Al-Anon does for families of addicts in addiction and recovery. Al-Anon will teach you to care for yourself by getting first hand experience of those who have walked in your shoes. Without this knowledge and support, family and loved ones are willing to go to any lengths to correct/stop the addiction. This is draining and mentally demanding and leaves families tired and frustrated when they need to be at their best. Believe it or not, it is possible to be at your best during this difficult time. Also, support groups like Al-Anon provide great experience, strength and hope for everyone in the whole family.

Al-Anon Helps You Change the Things You Can

If you are familiar with the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, you might know The Serenity Prayer. It’s a short prayer that begins every AA meeting. Essentially, it asks God for “the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” These statements provide a valuable distinction to those struggling with substance abuse as well as the families that support them. Part of supporting your family member while they are in rehab is realizing that much of what happens next is out of your hands. You can’t be there every stride of the way as they work through the fundamental issues of their addiction. You also can’t coerce them to admit they have a problem or to seek help. You can, however, take some time to evaluate the aspects of your family’s lives that you have some control over. Al-Anon support group meetings can assist you to let go of the things you cannot change and offer recommendations for the things you can. If your loved one will sooner or later be returning to your home, a few changes in surroundings can have a strong effect on everyone in the home’s approach and motivation.

Your Situation is Not Unique

Families coping with addiction always feel their circumstances are unique. However, they are no different than most that attend Al-Anon meetings. In fact, most promptly discover they have more in common with Al-Anon members than individuals they have known their entire lives. In recovery, we always assert that no one has to do this alone. Al-Anon provides a great channel of support and compassion, that combined with wellness, will set you at your best while assisting your family member in addiction recovery.

Simple Path Recovery is a beach side, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as a Top Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.

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Top 4 Goals of Family Therapy

Matthew Koenig — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:23:23 +0000

Improving Family Ties Torn By Addiction

The family unit is one of the strongest connections you’ll have in this life. However, even the closet family can encounter problems in communication. Sometimes, those difficulties last a long time and hurdles seem impossible to get over due to the familiarity of family members. Also, when you add a drug or alcohol problem into the mix, it can feel ten times more difficult. It may take a professional family addiction therapist to get you all back on track in order to restore stability and contentment to your daily lives. Family therapy goals create real objectives to, not only to overcome problems, but also to define norms and boundaries for the entire family.

What is Family Therapy for Addiction Treatment?

Family therapy is intended to reduce stress and conflict through the improved interactions between all family members. Typically, it’s best to have all family members who are affected by addiction (usually everyone) in one room. While this may be challenging in today’s COVID-19 world, families can make this happen with telehealth and virtual continuing care. What sets family therapy apart from individual addiction treatment rests in the perspective and not dictated by the number of people in the family.

Family therapy looks at obstacles as patterns that need to be corrected, rather than aiming solely at the addicted family member’s role in the problem. It is also called strengths-based treatment. Strong family relationships play a crucial in the overall behavioral health of each family member. This technique can be effective in helping family members modify to another family member’s struggle with an addiction or mental health finding. It is incredibly useful at improving communication and decreasing tension.

Objectives of Family Therapy

Family therapy can be valuable to all family members on many different levels. Family therapy has the strategic goal of developing these top four areas:

1. Create Healthy Boundaries

Setting boundaries is an important part of establishing one’s identity and is a crucial aspect of mental health and well-being. Boundaries can be physical or emotional, and they can range from being loose to rigid, with healthy boundaries often falling somewhere in between. Above all, healthy boundaries may the most important aspect of self-care when it comes to coping with an addicted family member.

2. Expedite Honest Communication

Open lines of honest, respectful communication are not the hallmark traits of a family struggling with addiction, but that is the goal. Addiction creates secrecy, skepticism, and resentment. The point is the family therapist will need to establish trust and buy-in from all stakeholders to spur forthrightness and a thoughtful tone of delivery. This is thought of as re-training since most families lose their way in world of addiction.

3. Promote Problem-Solving

In order to solve large and small family conflicts each family member is asked to do three things. The first is to let go of their pride or let their guard down. It’s time to be collaborative and not combative. Secondly, family members are encouraged to sincerely reconcile and not just be “right.” Lastly, keep everyone focused on what exactly is the issue. No parking lot or ad-hoc issues that can derail team problem-solving.

4. Develop Compassion for All Family Members

Families torn apart by alcoholism and drug addiction have a difficult time feeling for one another as father-son, mother-daughter, etc. They simply become to know opposition and frustration, rather than understanding and compassion. Addiction therapists break down these walls and ask family member to imagine being the other person, to demonstrate genuine care and concern (while acknowledging each other’s feelings). It is also important that members ask questions between active listening. This part is exceedingly difficult, but well worth the effort of keeping everyone focused on one thing at-a-time.

About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.

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Holiday Relapse Prevention

Matthew Koenig — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 18:21:38 +0000

As the holiday season comes into full-swing on Thanksgiving, families are confronted with the uncertainty related to Covid-19 and their lives. Also, if someone in their family is in recovery, they concerned about a holiday relapse. Furthermore, time-honored traditions and long-held practices in celebrating holidays are up in the air as the world continues to cope with the impact of the Corona Virus pandemic.

According to the CDC, almost 41% of the population in the U.S. report experiencing mental health issues as a result of the pandemic, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. At the same time, about 13% of Americans concede to starting or increasing substance use. This puts people in recovery with heightened stress and an intensified risk for relapse. You see, individuals in recovery depend on 12-step support groups in the same way people rely on religious freedom to worship together. Additionally, many 12-step groups rent space from churches and synagogues, so when they are shut down, so are the 12-step group meetings.

Get by With a Little Help from Family and Friends

Family members’ worries about a possible holiday relapse is pretty typical (especially, if you are newly sober).I can still remember my first sober holidays and watching my dad box up the liquor and hide it in his bedroom. While this may seem appropriate, family members need to be calm at this time of year when it comes to trying to prevent a relapse. They should take the risk of relapse genuinely without overpowering their loved one’s ability to enjoy the holidays. Openly emphasizing someone in recovery is going to put everyone in the family on edge. Just imagine the whispering that takes place when families arrive at their Thanksgiving celebration and they are not so subtlety reminded that “Jimmy” is only nine weeks out of rehab.

The point is that a holiday relapse prevention plan needs to start before the actual holidays, and not some perfunctory event that has dad stashing his booze and mom removing Tylenol from the medicine cabinet. Simply stated, family members need to gather with their recovering loved ones and consider with them what can be prepared to make them feel comfortable and supported during the silly season. Also, there needs to be additional conversations about triggers and cravings. In this way, the elephant in the room is not so big with everyone participating in a plan that is supportive but not overpowering.

Telemedicine Video Chat with a Therapist or 12-Step Group

It may also be advantageous to discuss these issues with a therapist through video chat and include the primary family members. In this way, the therapist can hold a family therapy video chat that is now available through use of telemedicine. Moreover, the therapist can make custom suggestions since are familiar with the family’s interactions through a loved one’s addiction treatment experience. At the same time, recovering individuals can participate in 12-step zoom meetings. While this may not be ideal, it is another way to connect with sober supports during this extraordinary Covid-19 period. The bottom-line is that the holidays are always tough on the newly sober and this year even more due to the pandemic, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying your family while putting your recovery first. It is the most important thing in your life which makes everything else possible!

Simple Path Recovery is a beach side, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as an intimate Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.

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5 Questions to Determine if You Have a Drinking Problem

Matthew Koenig — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 15:17:28 +0000

You’ve always enjoyed drinking, but lately, it seems to be more like a drinking problem, rather than having a few beers with friends on the weekend. If you feel this way, then you are not alone. In fact, many of the Covid-19 restrictions have given birth to a new group of Americans suffering addiction. If you think that you may be an alcoholic, or that it is having a larger authority in your life than you’d like, use this quick set of questions to find out if your casual drinking has become more like an issue (or, at least to those around you).

1. Do you have alcoholism risk-factors?

Family history of alcoholism

Close friends who drink too much

Work environment alcohol-related

Suffering mental health issues

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2. Has drinking created a negative effect on your daily life?

Have you abandoned plans with friends because you are hungover, or perhaps because you wanted to drink alone? Have you called out sick to work or other responsibilities because of drinking? You may have even driven a car while being intoxicated. The regrettable truth is that increased drinking predictably causes difficulties in your job and home life, and if you are acting in reckless ways because of drinking alcohol, it is probable that you have an addiction to alcohol.

3. What happened last night?

This is not a trick question and should not be a mystery. However, here is an example that may sound familiar. Your friends throw a party, and you enjoy yourself, but parts of it seem a bit foggy the next day until the phone rings. Your best friend tells you he can’t believe you got into a heated argument with his brother in-law. A recognizable sense of guilt comes over you and you scold yourself for drinking too much at the party. If you feel guilty or embarrassed about drinking, it may be because you are drinking too much and no longer self-aware. This is common for alcoholics.

4. What happens when you abruptly stop drinking?

If you stop drinking, do you suffer withdrawal symptoms, like hands shaking, sweating, nausea, exhaustion, bad temper, or headaches? If so, your body is asking you for alcohol. It is in a withdrawal state which can only be relieved by a drink or a medically supervised detox. This is a bad sign.

5. Does your family or friends think you drink too much?

If your friends or family members have told you that you drink too much than take this as a strong sign of a drinking problem. Typically, those close to you will watch for quite some time before confronting the issue with you. You should take notice and be grateful they are worried about your health and well-being.

If you are being honest with yourself and score at least 2 out of 5, then it’s time to decide to get help in order to stop drinking. Still not sure? Check out a local AA meeting and meet the experts. By the way, their brochure has twenty questions and you only need two positive responses to qualify as a problem drinker.

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Top 5 Reasons Addicts Relapse

Matthew Koenig — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 21:02:42 +0000

When you start to get sober, you’ll find out quickly that relapses are common in recovery (as they are in many chronic diseases). Approximately 65% of those trying to get sober for the first time will relapse at least once. This could be resuming active addiction or simply having a “slip.”

Some may need to go back to detox or partial hospitalization treatment. Others may be able to get things back on the right track with their sober supports. While you can expect a few bumps in the road, you should be aware if you find yourself relapsing continuously, it’s not going to turn out well and there’s obviously a void in your addiction treatment education or lack of implementation of newly learned behaviors. Here are the top five reasons addicts relapse.

Underdeveloped Coping Skills

Stress is one of the top sources of relapse. Studies show that both alcoholics and non-alcoholics respond differently to stress. For example, when addicts are stressed out, they are much more predisposed to using. In recovery, we need to know how we’re feeling or what’s transpiring when we relapse. If you’re heart’s racing and you feel agitated then, chances are, you haven’t found an effective way to handle anxiety or strain.

You Don’t have a Crucial Support Network

Those who are trying to get and stay sober will want to depend on friends and family to help them get through hard times. An important part of any continuing care program is to help recovering addicts create a strong support system. This includes finding 12-step groups who are willing to support the addict should anything go wrong. They have the playbook you need to succeed in sobriety. However, if you are a chronic relapser then look at your circle of influence. Do they answer your calls? Do they understand the kind of support you need? Most importantly, are they still using or drinking? This may play a part as to why you keep relapsing. The support we need comes from people who have gone through the exact same experience. They know the way out!

You May Have an Untreated Mental Health Issue

This one is a bit awkward. Many people don’t even think that they may be battling an undiagnosed co-occurring mental health condition. This can be anything from a bipolar disorder, trauma to depression. A behavioral health problem can cause chemical imbalances in the brain that may promote self-medication of alcohol or drugs. These imbalances may trigger irresistible cravings that will be difficult to overcome without help from a psychiatrist. we believe that if the addict can recognize the underlying issue (with or without help) and treat it concurrently with their addiction treatment, the client’s odds of a successful, long-term recovery are substantially improved.

People, Places and Things

Anything that is reminiscent of drinking or using can trigger you to crave your drug of choice. In fact, it occurs to the best of us. If you think you can hang out with the same people and doing some of the same things (without using) then you will be wrong 100% of the time. Essentially, if you hang around a barbershop long enough you will eventually get a haircut! Many in recovery don’t recognize that they may need to change their habits or their situation in order to prevent relapse. Several things can be triggers and recovering addicts need to be honest about what exactly those people, places and things are. You’ll need to dodge them or learn how to have effectively handle them.

You May Need Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Another thing to consider is medication assisted treatment. This type of therapy is most popular among opioid abusers and has shown good results in preventing relapse. A chemical imbalance may be one of the causes of relapse. MAT programs have become the most effective and life-changing forms of addiction care in decades. MAT integration can help patients overcome the craving to use opioids.

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