The term "flare up periods" or "flare ups" refers to definite time periods during which the recovering alcoholic experiences an increased amount of tension, nervousness and anxiety. Should he or she 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 alcoholic, his or her family, friends, 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 describe or to put your finger on. They are something that the 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, 4 1/2 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. These are rare occasions when they last longer. During the three day or more period the recovering alcoholic may be extremely depressed and irritable. He or she may feel that all is hopeless, that things are not what he or she thought, that he or she 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 indication the approach of a danger period. He or she may develop aches and pains, may perspire more then ordinary, or have headaches.
There also may be other behavioral changes. Many people talk about "dry drunks." 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 or her health, job, family, loneliness, etc., are just a few of such behavior changes.
WHAT TO DO
1. The first step in dealing with a flare up is to expect them and watch for the fore mentioned signs.
2. When you suspect that you are entering a flare up period, seek help form someone who will understand what you are going through.
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 or worse.
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 that there is NO CURE ---- ONLY COMPLETE ABSTINENCE. The first is the one that gets us drunk.
7. READ PAGE 15, PARAGRAPH 1, LINES 6-10, 3d edition, Alcoholics Anonymous