Football, both at the national and local levels, is an important part of many people’s lives. Whether your team wins or loses can impact your happiness, and it is a very important sport from a cultural perspective. However, its close association with alcohol can pose significant challenges for those in recovery from alcohol abuse.
We know a link is present with many people drinking or indeed taking drugs when they are watching the match. Therefore, when a person is recovering, we need to be aware of this link to help reduce the chances of relapse during the football season.
The Culture of Football and Alcohol
Football and alcohol share a deeply intertwined history, especially in the UK. For many, watching football is synonymous with drinking, whether at home, in pubs, or at stadiums.
This tradition dates back decades; football is an activity that involves getting together over a few pints with friends. This, for many people, is a way of life, making it difficult for individuals in recovery to avoid environments where alcohol is present and heavily consumed.
Relapse Rates and Triggers
Alcohol relapse is a common occurrence, with rates estimated between 40-60% for individuals undergoing treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Various factors contribute to these high rates, including social environments where alcohol is prevalent, such as football games. One study suggests relapse rates can increase by up to 47% when international tournaments are played, with this in mid it is important you are aware of the heightened risks of relapse if you or a loved one are invested in the football.
The main triggers for relapse during football seasons include:
Social Pressure
Watching football often involves social gatherings where drinking is part of the event. This pressure can be overwhelming for someone in recovery, making it difficult to refuse alcohol without feeling isolated or different.
Drinking pre-match is part of a culture for many, and this can also carry on to post-match. You may feel if you are not part of this ritual, you don’t belong in the social group anymore, so feel obliged to join.
Emotional Triggers
Football matches can be emotionally charged events, with highs and lows that can trigger a desire to drink as a way to cope with stress or celebrate victories.
There has also been a reported increase in domestic violence when teams lose, so the link is clear that football matches do have wider ramifications on the psychology of fans.
Environmental Cues
The sight and smell of alcohol, especially in familiar settings like pubs or even the home, can trigger cravings. Football-related advertisements and sponsorships by alcohol brands exacerbate this issue by normalising drinking.
Mitigating Relapse Risks
Understanding the risks, several strategies can help mitigate the potential for relapse during football season:
Creating Supportive Environments
Encourage friends and family to create alcohol-free zones for watching games. This support can help reduce the temptation to drink and provide a safer space for those in recovery.
Simply asking friends who come around to the house that you will not be serving alcohol can go a long way, and also ask them not to bring any. This can feel awkward if it is a social norm or tradition in the household, but if they care about your health, they will understand the situation.
Engaging in Alternative Activities
Find alternative ways to engage with football that do not involve alcohol, such as joining a football club that promotes healthy living, attending games where alcohol is restricted, or participating in online fan communities.
If you go to the game, you may wish to go straight to the match and skip the meet-up at the pub or substitute it for another pre-match ritual. Many clubs have entertainment before the game, or you could get in the ground earlier to soak up the atmosphere.
Relapse Prevention Programs
Utilise relapse prevention techniques specifically tailored for high-risk periods like football season. These programs can include strategies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to help manage cravings and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
You will need to develop self-awareness to identify tricky situations on the road ahead and have the confidence to sidestep these situations. For some people
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate can help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms, providing additional support for those at risk of relapse during football season
Reduce The Chances of Relapse in the Football Season
The link between football culture and alcohol abuse is undeniable and it can present a real challenge for individuals in recovery.
But it is possible to enjoy the football season without compromising sobriety. Creating a supportive environment, engaging in alcohol-free activities, and engaging with relapse prevention programs are key to reducing relapse rates and promoting long-term recovery.
For more detailed strategies and support options, Contact Asana Lodge today to discuss our rehabilitation and aftercare programmes. We want to help you through your addiction for the long term so you can enjoy football again without suffering any negative consequences.
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