The fact of the matter, and one we all need to get comfortable with, is that alcohol relapses are actually a normal part of recovery, experienced by so many individuals throughout their recovery journey. Although this is most certainly not the goal, and the fact of alcohol relapse should be discussed, as any individuals who find themselves in this predicament, or heading back down the road of alcohol abuse can potentially be more aware of the nature of alcohol relapse, and some of the facts and statistics surrounding its occurrence.
Before we journey into some of the helpful facts and statistics regarding alcohol relapse, we should first define what a relapse is. There are several cases, mostly referring to a ‘slip’ or ‘lapse’ in one’s sobriety. These momentary occurrences are a one-off taper that does not define a full return to alcohol use disorder (AUD) but do work themselves into the designated definition of a relapse which is simply defined as an instance of substance use following a considerable period of abstinence. As the 12-step framework teaches and promotes, and as some of the Alcoholics Anonymous A.A. sayings go, we should all give ourselves some grace as we take this journey of sobriety together. The last thing anyone (loved one or individual) should look to do is stigmatize individuals who are battling with their addiction. With that frame of mine, we will review some of the key facts and statistics of alcohol relapse so that we can better defend ourselves and our loved ones who are seeking treatment for their alcohol use and addiction.
29 million was the number of individuals reported in a National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) who identified as having alcohol use disorder (AUD). Let that sink in the next time you yourself or an individual judges you for your alcohol abuse. It is a serious condition that impacts so many lives, same as asthma, or diabetes, or cancer, and although Long Island Center for Recovery (LICR) understands that everyone is an individual with their own unique experiences, this fact of 29 million individuals hopefully presents a sense of community, and that you are certainly not alone.
The numbers vary in wide ranges, and it is difficult to narrow down with so much self-reported data, but in one report highly regarded by many sources, Two-thirds of individuals treated for alcohol use disorder relapse within 6 months after completing their treatment. That’s a majority of individuals, making it part of normal path to recovery, because the journey certainly doesn’t stop due to a relapse. As long as we stay vigilant and strive to be better each day, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
When asked, individuals commonly reported that lack of motivation and lack of support were the two main reasons why they eventually relapsed and their treatment took a momentary turn. We mention these reported reasons as a way to armor oneself as individuals get out of treatment, as a way to use the experiences of others to better prepare yourself or your loved ones in the future.
You might think, or many tend to assume that an individual with alcohol use disorder relapses simply by diving right back into the habit and taking the ultimate dive to consuming alcohol, but alcohol relapse typically works its way into three stages; emotional, mental, and then physical. At the emotional stage, you’re not actually thinking about drinking, but those same levers are being pulled, and the pressures that led to your substance use disorder (SUD) in the first place are creeping back up. Most of the time, individuals mask their true emotions, and keep them dormant, leading to a need to aid in their masking. At the mental stage of alcohol relapse, the remembrance of a time when alcohol was used for these emotional stressor creeps back in, and a plan to relapse starts to form. Individuals may ‘bargain’ with themselves, even as a thought, during this stage, making claims like “one wouldn’t hurt” or “I’ll get back on my sobriety after” typically occur during the mental stage. Finally, physical consumption occurs as alcohol relapse sets in. Remember, two-thirds of individuals relapse, you’re not alone when you feel the pressure placed after treatment, but hopefully knowing the stages can allow you or a loved one to recognize the early stages or relapse, and defense against it before completing the relapse process.
That’s how much more likely you would be to have an alcohol relapse after treatment if you continue without help and support vs remaining in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) support groups, or other forms of community. We understand that lives take shape and we can all become busy in an instant, but this is a statistically and positive way to contribute back to those who need help. 29 million individuals…and finding ways to give back to them, may help maintain your livelihood in return.
We hope you feel more educated on the facts and statistics relating to alcohol relapse. If you or a loved one is in need of any addiction treatment services in the future, please reach out to Long Island Center for Recovery at 1-800-344-5427, and we’d be happy to assist you or your loved ones in any way possible.
References:
American Addiction Centers: Alcohol Relapse and Recovery Statistics
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/relapse-statistics
National Library Of Medicine (NLM): Predicting Relapse After Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in a High-Risk Cohort: The Roles of Anhedonia and Smoking
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8476113/
National Library Of Medicine (NLM): Rates and predictors of relapse after natural and treated remission from alcohol use disorders https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1976118/
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