In the context of addiction recovery, the word “clean” generally refers to abstinence from substances that an individual has been addicted to, particularly drugs or alcohol. However, when it comes to whether someone can be considered “clean” while still drinking alcohol, the answer is multifaceted and depends on the individual, their recovery path, and the type of addiction they are recovering from. The relationship between alcohol consumption and recovery is a complex one, influenced by personal choices, treatment philosophies, and even societal views on sobriety.
This article will explore whether it’s possible to be considered “clean” while still consuming alcohol, examining the impact of alcohol on various types of addiction recovery, different recovery models, and the potential risks of introducing alcohol into a recovery journey.
Understanding Sobriety and Being “Clean”
The concept of sobriety, or being “clean,” varies across different types of addiction and recovery paths. For some, sobriety means complete abstinence from all mind-altering substances, including alcohol. For others, it may mean abstaining only from the specific substance they were addicted to while still allowing the occasional use of alcohol or other substances that were not part of their addiction.
To better understand this, it’s crucial to distinguish between:
- Complete Sobriety: Total abstinence from all substances, including alcohol, which is a cornerstone of many recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
- Substance-Specific Abstinence: Abstaining from only the substance or substances that were the focus of the addiction, while continuing to use other substances (like alcohol) in moderation.
Can Someone in Recovery Drink Alcohol?
The answer to this question largely depends on the individual’s substance of addiction, the type of recovery program they are following, and their personal experiences. Here are some common considerations:
1. Recovery from Alcohol Addiction
For individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD), drinking alcohol is generally not compatible with being considered “clean.” In fact, for these individuals, alcohol is the very substance they are trying to avoid. Drinking alcohol in this context would be viewed as a relapse and is likely to set back the recovery process significantly. Individuals who have struggled with alcohol addiction are often encouraged to maintain total abstinence because even moderate drinking can trigger a relapse into problematic use.
2. Recovery from Drug Addiction (Non-Alcohol)
For individuals recovering from drug addiction, the question of whether they can still drink alcohol and be considered “clean” becomes more nuanced. In some cases, a person might be in recovery from opioid addiction, for instance, and may feel that drinking alcohol in moderation does not pose a risk to their recovery. In such cases, they may consider themselves “clean” if they are not using the substance they were addicted to, even if they occasionally drink alcohol.
However, there are significant risks involved with this approach. Alcohol is a mind-altering substance, and its use can lower inhibitions and lead to poor decision-making, increasing the likelihood of relapse into drug use. Many recovery programs, especially those based on the 12-Step model, advocate for total abstinence from all substances (including alcohol) as the safest and most effective path to long-term recovery. In these programs, drinking alcohol would generally be considered incompatible with being “clean.”
3. Dual Diagnosis Considerations
For individuals with a dual diagnosis (where addiction is accompanied by a mental health disorder), consuming alcohol while in recovery can be particularly risky. Alcohol is a depressant, and its use can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. For someone in recovery from addiction who also struggles with a mental health disorder, drinking alcohol could worsen their overall health and increase the likelihood of relapse.
In these cases, staying completely sober from all mind-altering substances, including alcohol, is often recommended to support both their mental health and recovery journey.
Different Recovery Models and Their Views on Alcohol Use
The way different recovery models view alcohol use during recovery also varies. Understanding these differing perspectives can help clarify whether someone can be considered “clean” while drinking alcohol.
1. 12-Step Programs (AA and NA)
In 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), complete sobriety is the goal. These programs view addiction as a disease and encourage individuals to abstain from all substances, including alcohol. Within these programs, a person cannot be considered “clean” if they are consuming any form of alcohol or drugs, as the use of these substances is seen as a relapse or a continuation of addictive behaviors.
The philosophy behind this total abstinence approach is that individuals with a history of substance use disorder may be more prone to developing addictive behaviors with other substances. Even moderate alcohol consumption could lead to a slippery slope where the individual loses control over their substance use, resulting in a full relapse.
2. Harm Reduction
Harm reduction models take a different approach. Instead of focusing on complete abstinence, harm reduction aims to reduce the negative consequences of substance use, such as overdoses, accidents, or health risks. This model recognizes that complete sobriety may not be achievable or realistic for everyone and supports incremental progress toward reduced use or safer consumption.
For someone following a harm reduction approach, occasional alcohol use may be acceptable, even if they are in recovery from another substance. In this case, the individual may still consider themselves “clean” as long as they are managing their substance use in a way that minimizes harm and improves their overall quality of life.
3. SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is another program that offers an alternative to the traditional 12-step model. SMART Recovery focuses on self-empowerment and behavioral change through evidence-based strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). While SMART Recovery does encourage abstinence for individuals struggling with substance addiction, it allows for greater flexibility than traditional 12-step programs.
For individuals who may not have an issue with alcohol but are in recovery from another substance, SMART Recovery may offer more leniency in terms of whether moderate alcohol consumption is acceptable. However, participants are encouraged to evaluate their own behavior and recognize whether alcohol could lead to further issues, particularly if it threatens to interfere with their recovery goals.
The Risks of Drinking Alcohol in Recovery
While some individuals may consider themselves “clean” even if they drink alcohol occasionally, it’s important to recognize the risks associated with this approach. Here are some potential dangers:
- Risk of Cross-Addiction: Some individuals in recovery may develop a new addiction to alcohol if they introduce it into their lives. Addiction is not always limited to one substance, and individuals with a history of addiction may be more vulnerable to developing unhealthy patterns with other substances, including alcohol.
- Lowered Inhibitions: Alcohol impairs judgment and lowers inhibitions, which can make it easier to slip back into drug use. Even if a person believes they have control over their drinking, alcohol’s effect on decision-making can increase the likelihood of relapse.
- Triggering Old Behaviors: For many people in recovery, certain environments or behaviors associated with substance use can act as triggers for relapse. Drinking alcohol, particularly in social settings where substance use was common, could trigger cravings for the individual’s substance of choice and lead to a full-blown relapse.
- Undermining Recovery Progress: Recovery is not just about abstinence but also about healing and personal growth. Alcohol consumption could interfere with the progress individuals have made in learning new coping skills, managing their emotions, and building healthier relationships.
Conclusion: Can You Be Considered Clean and Still Drink?
Whether someone can be considered “clean” while drinking alcohol depends on multiple factors, including the substance they are recovering from, the recovery program they are following, and their personal ability to manage alcohol use without risking relapse. For individuals recovering from alcohol addiction, the answer is clearly no—drinking alcohol would be considered a relapse. For others, particularly those following harm reduction models or recovering from non-alcohol addictions, the answer may be less clear and more dependent on individual circumstances.
Ultimately, recovery is a highly personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, given the risks involved, many addiction experts recommend total abstinence from all mind-altering substances, including alcohol, as the safest and most effective way to achieve long-term recovery and maintain a healthy, fulfilling life. Call us at 844-639-8371 to learn more.