When alcoholics relapse, it means they have returned to drinking after a period of sobriety. Relapse is a common occurrence for people recovering from alcoholism, and it can be caused by various factors such as stress, triggers, and underlying mental health issues. When an alcoholic relapses, they may feel ashamed, guilty, and disappointed, but it’s important to remember that relapse is not failure and it doesn’t mean that they can’t achieve long-term sobriety. Instead, it’s important to seek support, reach out to their healthcare provider or addiction counselor, and make adjustments to their recovery plan to prevent future relapses.