Doctor explains why the risk of alcohol relapse rises in autumn for people in remission

Seasonal factors of vulnerability

In autumn, people with alcohol dependence who are in remission may face an increased risk of relapse — this was reported to Gazeta.Ru by Alexander Polikarpov, a psychiatrist-narcologist and founder of the AlkoSpas clinic. According to him, autumn itself is not the cause of a return to alcohol use, but several seasonal factors at once can increase a person's vulnerability: shorter daylight hours, a return to an intense work schedule, colds, and reduced physical activity. All of this negatively affects one's emotional state, especially when a person is gradually abandoning the usual ways of maintaining sobriety.

Early signs of an approaching relapse

The risk, according to the specialist, does not begin with the first glass: changes appear earlier that are easy to mistake for ordinary autumn fatigue. A person goes to bed later, sleeps worse, becomes more irritable, cancels appointments with a specialist, communicates less often with supportive people, and stops keeping the agreements that helped maintain sobriety. Another warning sign is a change in attitude toward one's own past: pleasant episodes of alcohol use are recalled more often, while the negative consequences of dependence are gradually forgotten.

Justifications and a familiar scenario

“Particular attention should be paid to situations where a person begins to justify possible drinking with fatigue, stress, or the need to relax after a hard day. If alcohol was previously used as a quick way to relieve anxiety, fall asleep, or feel relief, the brain may offer the familiar scenario at any dip in mood,” Polikarpov explained.

What the doctor recommends

When such signs appear, the expert advises first of all to restore a sleep schedule, regular meals, physical activity, and contact with the treating specialist. He recommends that loved ones avoid accusations and pressure: it is more effective to calmly draw the person's attention to specific changes in their behavior — missed consultations, insomnia, isolation, or a return to former social circles. If alcohol use has already occurred, in the doctor's opinion, one should not consider the treatment a failure — professional help should be sought as soon as possible. He also warned that after a period of abstinence, alcohol tolerance may decrease, so an attempt to drink “as before” increases the risk of severe poisoning.