Long Term Addiction Recovery Statistics
After a former substance abuser completes a full detox and inpatient addiction treatment program, it is imperative that they continue on with a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, or outpatient rehab, or remain connected to sober peers and support groups.
Rehab does not cure addiction. Between 40% and 60% of people who have undergone treatment for their addiction will relapse within one month of completing inpatient treatment, while about 1/5 of people remained sober for one year after a treatment program is complete, meaning about 20% of people suffering from substance use disorders issues and addicts stay clean after rehab.
After two years, the chance of relapsing is reduced from 80% to 40%, 9.6% after three years, and 7.2% after five years, showing that the longer you can stay away from drugs and alcohol after rehab, the easier it will become to do so.
What is a Relapse?
A relapse is what it is called when somebody who is in active recovery, and who has had a period of abstinence, uses drugs or alcohol or engages in addictive behaviors.
Relapsing is a part of many people’s recovery journey. It is not a failure, it is simply a bump in the long road that you can come back from with the help of peer support groups, rehab centers, and addictions professionals.
Does a Relapse Mean Rehab Failed?
Relapse does not mean rehab has failed. There are many reasons it may have happened, and you may need to try a new type of therapy or treatment plan. Some people have underlying unaddressed mental health issues or trauma that need specific care, while others need stronger support and accountability at home and may benefit from moving into a sober living home.
Don’t beat yourself up. Relapse is common and is not the end of the world. With new types of treatment, a different mindset, and a stronger commitment to your recovery activities, you can return to a state of recovery and regain your sense of self.
What to Do if a Relapse Occurs
Relapse for alcohol or drug addicts happens in stages, and can actually take weeks or even months to occur. If you know the signs of relapse, you will be able to seek help and intervene with your own self-destructive behaviors before they happen. The three stages of relapse are:
- Emotional relapse – beginning to feel depressed or out of control, beginning to miss meetings or feel like you don’t need them anymore, not wanting to take care of yourself or keep up with recovery activities
- Mental relapse – bargaining with yourself, struggling with staying sober, thinking about the “good old days”, downplaying the bad sides of using the substance, telling yourself you can handle it this time, etc.
- Physical relapse – actually using the substance, falling into old patterns of drug and alcohol abuse
Even if you undergo physical relapse, you can overcome this hurdle by:
- Talking to someone. Do not isolate yourself out of shame or embarrassment.
- Be honest with yourself. Look at what went wrong and make appropriate changes that will help you in the future.
Tips for Staying Sober Long After Rehab is Over
After rehab is over, some things that will help recovered addicts stay sober include:
- Going to your recovery activities and meetings, even when you don’t feel like going
- Surrounding yourself with loved ones and people who support you, and avoid those who promote drinking and drug use
- Taking care of your physical and mental health
- Having a strong relapse prevention plan in place with achievable steps, so you know exactly what to do when those feelings return
- Attending a treatment center for outpatient therapy and further support. At Serenity Oaks drug rehabs and addiction treatment center, we offer detox, treatment for co-occurring disorders, inpatient rehab, and outpatient programs that can get you back on track.
Our Thrive alumni mentor program will add value to your recovery by helping you challenge yourself, gain coping skills, achieve personal goals, and grow as a person. You will also have the opportunity to be of service to others as a mentor, and have access to local and online groups, as well as 24-hour phone support. We will be there for you throughout your long-term recovery, for as long as you need it. Contact Serenity Oaks today to verify insurance and to learn more about our programs.
Learn what percentage of addicts stay sober after rehab, and get help today at Serenity Oaks Wellness Center! #serenityoaks #addictiontreatmenthttps://t.co/bY4bOYKlR4
— Serenity Oaks (@Serenity_Oaks_) May 4, 2022
