Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the subjective experiences of relapse and treatment among the alcoholics. Methods: Phenomenological methodology was used for the study. Participants were seven people with inpatient alcoholics at the alcohol treatment center at K hospital in K province. Data were collected via in-depth interviews from March to September, 2012 and analyzed using Colazzi's framework. Results: Six themes and seventeen meanings were formulated for the relapse and treatment experiences of participants with alcoholism. Six themes were 'Lack of true insight', 'Lack of strength to live a life', 'Unable to overcome an urge to drink', 'Being drawn away from others', 'Falling into the powerlessness and despair', and 'Being foothold of self-growth'. Conclusion: The results from this study revealed the relapse experiences among alcoholic patients. Therefore, the findings can provide the framework and direction for developing the relapse prevention program for alcoholic patients. In addition, practitioners in the treatment center or hospital need to consider their relapse and treatment experience.

• 알코올 중독자
• 재발 경험
• 질적 연구
• Alcoholics
• Relapse
• Life experience
• Qualitative research