The Source Addiction Treatment Center
Relapse After Rehab
Combating drug and alcohol addiction does not end with the completion of an addiction treatment program, and it’s imperative to recognize what percentage of addicts stay clean.
As with many other diseases, such as Diabetes, relapse can occur at any recovery point. It is essential to remember that relapse does not mean you have failed or will never have sustained recovery. It simply means some adjustments need to be made to help you better adhere to your treatment plan.
What Is Relapse?
Relapse is a complex issue that many people in recovery face. While addiction treatment aims to equip people with the tools they need to succeed in recovery, life and other variables can contribute to using drugs or alcohol again. Slip-ups happen. It is incredibly difficult to retrain your brain, avoid relationships that no longer serve you, and avoid substances that were a big part of your life for a long time. However, with hard work and determination, lifelong recovery is possible.
Statistics About Relapse
When it comes to what percentage of addicts stay clean, roughly 40 to 60% of people in recovery will experience a relapse at some point in their journey.
According to the Discovery Institute, one in five people who complete addiction treatment will stay sober during their first year in recovery. This means that nearly 80% of people will relapse at some point during that first year. Additionally, there is a 40% chance of relapse during the first two years of recovery. Common reasons for relapse are co-occurring, untreated mental health conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma.
What to Do If a Relapse Occurs
If you or someone you know relapses, do not accept failure. Everyone makes mistakes, and your recovery journey will not always be positive and mistake-free. But a happy and sober life free from addiction is achievable if you have the fortitude to stick to your plan and follow your treatment program. A mistake does not represent failure.
Relapse rates would not be so high if this were an easy process. It takes a great deal of work, commitment, and support to maintain recovery. If relapse does occur, it’s imperative not to give up and resume your treatment as soon as possible to address the relapse’s root cause. The more you understand your triggers, the better equipped you will be to avoid them moving forward.
How to Have the Best Possible Chance of Staying Sober Long Term
Please consider the following tips to help avoid relapse:
- Follow your treatment plan and continue attending 12-step meetings often.
- Use your support system and surround yourself with people who love you and support your sobriety. Having a sound support system provides accountability as well as a sense of comfort when you are struggling.
- Avoid people or places that make you want to use again. This process can seem like common sense, but addiction can be relentless and cause us to do things we may otherwise regret.
- Make sure you have a relapse prevention plan. Evaluate how substance abuse has played a role in your life; what are your triggers? Were there certain places or times when your use increased? How can you avoid these things to ensure success? Identify what is most helpful for you when you’re struggling. Perhaps finding solidarity in a meeting or calling a loved one can be beneficial. Make sure to tell your support system about your relapse prevention plan as well.
- Finally, attend a treatment center that can help you address the underlying causes of addiction and support you after completing the program. It’s essential to do your research before choosing a facility. If possible, try to pick one that has credentials and is well-reviewed. This is the most valuable investment you could make, so you want to make sure you choose the best.
If you or a loved one wants more information on what percentage of addicts stay clean and how The Source can support you in recovery, please give one of our experienced treatment specialists a call at (800) 204-0418.
The Source quite frankly saved my life and got me back on track, never giving giving up on me. When you are thinking about and looking through all of the different places to go for treatment this is the one that should stand out from the rest.
