Researchers identify personality traits that predict alcohol relapse after treatment

Summary: Have you ever wondered why some people go back to drinking right after finishing rehab? A new study from France found that a person's personality plays a huge role in their recovery. Researchers discovered that "novelty-seekers"—people who are impulsive, act quickly, and love chasing new thrills—are the most likely to relapse within three months.

Surprisingly, people who felt highly confident and in control while in the hospital also relapsed more often. Why? Because being in a safe, structured hospital gives a temporary, false sense of security. The study also found that people who have trouble expressing their emotions (a condition called alexithymia) suffered from the strongest cravings. While the brain tries to heal and rewire itself during recovery, doctors now know that treating a person's specific personality traits is the real secret to keeping them sober in the real world.

For more details, see psypost at psypost.org/researchers-identify-personality-traits-that-predict-alcohol-relapse-after-treatment/ (opens in new tab)

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