FLARE UP PERIODS
The term "flare up periods" or "flare ups" refers to definite time
periods during which the recovering or recovered alcoholic experiences an
increased amount of tension, nervousness and anxiety. Should he return to the use of
alcohol, it would most likely be during one of the flare up periods. It is
important, therefore, that the recovering or recovered alcoholic, his
family, his friends, his employer and anyone else who may play an important
role during these periods become aware of how to recognize the onset of a
flare up period and what to do when one occurs.
Flare up periods are difficult to described or to put your finger on.
They are something that the recovered or recovering alcoholic normally does
not have control of. Once a flare up begins there is a tendency for it to
snowball and at the end of the day the affected person feels so terrible
that he or she is more likely to take a drink during these periods of time.
Flare-ups occur at predictable intervals: 5 to 6 days, 5 to 7 weeks, 5
to 7 months, 11 to 13 months, 17 to 24 months, ^h to 5 years, 10-to 12
years. The flare up which occurs in the 17 to 24 month range is, in most cases,
quite severe and intense. However, it is normally the last one that the
person will experience to this degree until the 10 to 12 year range. Most
recovering alcoholics will experience flare ups. This is the reason most
people return to drinking after periods of sobriety. The question is the
intensiveness of these flare ups. For some they are very intense in the
first several months for others they are intense during the middle months
and for others the intenseness occurs in the 17 to 24 month range.
Factors in recognizing the onset of a flare up include feelings of
irritability, moodiness, boredom, restlessness, difficulty in eating and
sleeping. These emotional states grow in intensity and come to a peak
normally lasting about three days. There are rare occasions when they last
longer. During the three day or more period the recovering or recovered
alcoholic may be extremely depressed and irritable, he may feel that all is
hopeless, that things are not what he thought, and he may display outbursts
of anger for almost no obvious reason because of something which would
ordinarily be considered insignificant. There may also be physical signs
indicating the approach of a danger period. He may develop aches and pains,
he may perspire more than ordinary, or he may have headaches.
There also may be other behavioral changes. Many people talk about "dry
drunk." Many times an affected individual will display symptoms very
closely related to those of an intoxicated person even though the individual
has not had an alcoholic beverage. These changes are sometimes so slight
that they would be passed off without undue attention unless one is watching
for them. Uncharacteristically juvenile behavior, unreasonable giggling and
joy, expression of weirdness, restlessness, boredom, and a sudden concern
about his health, job, family, loneliness, etc., are just a few of such
behavioral changes.
WHAT TO DO
1. The first step in dealing with a flare up is to expect them and watch for
the afore-mentioned signs.
2. When you suspect that you are entering a flare up period, seek help from
someone who will understand what you are going through, your counselor or
therapist, your spouse, a fellow group member, Alcoholics Anonymous, a
Priest or religious figure of a good friend (who won't offer you a drink!)
are all possible sources help. Sometimes just phoning someone to talk to,
going for a drive or working on a hobby will help reduce the tension of a
flare up. Exercise is very important. Proper diet and getting the correct
amount of sleep or just as important. In other words, putting the body back
on a routine. In any case, get involved. Keep busy. Do some Volunteer
work; re-evaluate education goals. There are a number of organizations,
social and fraternal clubs, churches, that can help.
3. Realize that the storm will pass. Flare ups usually last about three to
four days, or more (rarely more). After it passes, things will return to
normal again.
4. Do not take a drink. One drink will set off a chain reaction and you
will find yourself completely soused and right back where you started.
5. Learn to enjoy the rewards of your sobriety and the good feeling of being
sober and giving and doing for others - learn to enjoy this. Take pride in
your good points and appreciate what you have going for you.
6. Realize there is no cure -- only complete abstinence. The first drink is
a psychological trickster.
7. Read page 15, paragraph, 1, lines 6-10, Alcoholics Anonymous.
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