In some ways, the hardest part of establishing and maintaining long-term recovery from alcoholism or addiction comes when the initial, intensive part of treatment has been completed.
To avoid relapse, most recovering people need to be in the warm embrace of loved ones – whether their close, biological family or the new "family" of other recovered people that they can turn to when they feel in danger of relapse.
One study identified the five factors that most often contribute to relapse:
- inability to manage stress or negative emotional states
- interpersonal conflicts with family or others
- failing to stick to the recommendations of doctors and counselors
- negative thinking
- low motivation to change
These are discussed in the HBO Avoiding Relapse Video
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