How Many People Relapse After Completing Alcohol Rehab?

There are challenges with determining the number of people who relapse after completing alcohol rehab. However, some believe the average relapse rate is between 40% and 60%. People relapse during their recovery journey for many reasons, and there are varied factors to consider. It is common to experience challenges that result in a brief period of alcohol use. It’s important to understand that alcohol addiction is a chronic disease. That means there may be times when the symptoms of addiction reappear after a season of not experiencing any symptoms at all. A relapse does not equate to failure. It presents a chance to introduce the skills learned during rehab treatment for coping with challenges. Many people with an alcohol addiction eventually experience long-term recovery because they become more determined to remain sober. You can support a loved one experiencing a relapse by maintaining a positive attitude and providing encouragement as they continue on this lifelong journey. You should also express the importance of getting help from a counselor for professional guidance.

Letting your loved one know that others pursuing recovery have relapsed will make them feel less alone. Reminding them that long-term recovery is still possible will provide the hope needed when faced with addiction. People often think addiction is over once they leave a treatment program, but that is not the case. Completing a program is the beginning of a journey that requires effective recovery management. It is common to have cravings in recovery because addiction affects the brain. That does not mean that everyone who completes a treatment program will relapse. You or your loved one can live a lifetime without ever experiencing an issue with alcohol abuse again. Reducing the chances of relapse requires the ongoing use of skills learned during the recovery program. Some treatment programs last for three months because relapse is most common during the 90 days after detox. It’s a time when support is critical.

How to Prevent Relapse

Preventing relapse requires you to focus on your mental and emotional health. It is much easier to fall prey to addiction when you do not feel emotionally and mentally strong. It’s also important to understand what triggers alcohol use. It can be different from one person to another. The most common triggers involve certain people, events, places and scenarios. Sometimes specific situations will cause a person to feel emotions that result in addictive behaviors. Many treatment programs provide support and tools for managing triggers. Triggers are powerful, and you or your loved one must have coping mechanisms to deal with them when they arise. Visiting a counselor to understand triggers can prevent a relapse. Here are a few things that should happen if a relapse occurs:

• Establish healthy boundaries
• Participate in a self-help group
• Prioritize self-care
• Solicit support from family and friends

Topping the list of things you should do to prevent a relapse is surround yourself with people who genuinely love and care about you. They are more likely to help you maintain a lifestyle that does not include alcohol. The people who love you are more invested in your wellbeing. Relapse is more likely in some people, especially if they consume alcohol. In addition to avoiding certain people, it’s best not to go places where people are drinking alcohol. There are some instances when being around alcohol is unavoidable. In that scenario, it is best to leave the event early to limit your exposure to an environment that is not helpful, especially if you feel pressured. One of the best things you can do is join a support group that offers a sponsor who can reduce the likelihood of a relapse. Participating in a support group is a great way to receive encouragement from others. It can also increase the chances of lifelong recovery. Another way to prevent relapse is by rebuilding relationships with those closest to you. There is often healing that must take place. It is another reason why counseling is beneficial even if you never relapse.

Call us today to get information about alcohol rehab or counseling. We are here to provide the guidance and support you need. Call 855-334-6120