45 Alcohol Relapse Rates & Recovery Statistics

Understanding the statistics behind alcohol relapse can help those in recovery prepare for potential obstacles and maintain their sobriety.

October 26, 2023

August 15, 2024

Dealing with addiction is a tough journey, and staying sober is not as easy as it may seem. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that requires long-term care, and relapse is a common occurrence. While relapse can be disheartening, it is an opportunity to learn and grow. Understanding the statistics behind alcohol relapse can help those in recovery prepare for potential obstacles and maintain their sobriety.

Top 7 Key Alcohol Relapse Statistics

Relapse rates for alcoholism range from 40-60%, similar to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
The first year after treatment is the most crucial, with up to 80% of relapses occurring during this time. (American Addiction Centers)
Stress is a major trigger for relapse, and 89% of those in recovery report experiencing stress in the first year after treatment. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
A lack of social support can also increase the risk of relapse, with 60% of individuals in recovery reporting feeling lonely or isolated. (American Addiction Centers)
Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are prevalent among those with alcohol addiction and can increase the likelihood of relapse. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
Regular attendance to support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, has been found to increase the likelihood of sustained sobriety. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
Medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate have been shown to reduce the risk of relapse by up to 50% when combined with therapy and support. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

What Percentage Of Alcoholics Relapse?

The percentage of alcoholics who relapse within the first year after treatment is around 50-90%, depending on the study. (Alcohol Research and Health)
About 30% of those who achieve sobriety for a year will eventually relapse. (Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment)
After five years of sobriety, the chance of relapse drops to around 15%. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
Relapse rates are higher for individuals with severe alcohol addiction compared to those with mild or moderate addiction. (Psychology Today)
Women have a slightly higher risk of relapse than men, potentially due to differences in brain chemistry and social pressures. (Harvard Health Publishing)

How Many People Relapse After 1 Year Sober?

Out of those who manage to stay sober for a year, around 30% will relapse at some point in their lives. (Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment)
The chance of relapse drops significantly after five years of sobriety, with the rate dropping to around 15%. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
It is worth noting that the longer an individual remains sober, the lower their risk of relapse becomes.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine an exact percentage of people who relapse after one year sober as there are many factors that can influence this outcome. However, research suggests that the risk is higher within the first year after treatment, with up to 80% of relapses occurring during this time. (American Addiction Centers)

When Is Alcohol Relapse Most Likely?

Alcohol relapse is most likely to occur during the first year after treatment, with up to 80% of relapses happening during this time. (American Addiction Centers)
The first 90 days after leaving a treatment program are critical, as this is when the risk of relapse is highest. (Harvard Health Publishing)
Stressful life events, such as losing a job or going through a divorce, can increase the likelihood of relapse. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Special occasions and holidays can also be triggers for alcohol relapse, with Thanksgiving and Christmas being particularly risky times. (Psychology Today)
Social situations where alcohol is present, such as parties or bars, can also increase the risk of relapse. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)

Most Common Causes Of Relapse

The most common cause of relapse is stress, with 37% of individuals reporting it as a trigger. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
Negative emotions such as anxiety and depression are also significant triggers, with 36% of individuals citing them as a reason for relapse. (American Addiction Centers)
Social pressure from friends or family members who drink is a factor for 33% of individuals who relapse. (Psychology Today)
Boredom or lack of stimulation can lead to relapse for 30% of individuals in recovery. (Alcohol Research and Health)
Overconfidence in one's ability to handle alcohol or substance use is cited by 28% of individuals who relapse. (Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment)

Types Of Alcohol Relapses (Slip, Lapse, Relapse)

78% of Americans with an alcohol use disorder will experience a slip, lapse, or relapse during their recovery process.
Of those, 56% will experience more than one slip, lapse, or relapse.
And 33% will have multiple slips, lapses, and relapses during their recovery process.

3 Stages Of A Relapse

69% of Americans with alcohol use disorder will experience at least one emotional relapse while recovering from alcohol abuse.
62% of Americans with alcohol use disorder will experience one or more mental relapses during their recovery from alcohol abuse.
34% of Americans with alcohol use disorder will experience one or more physical relapses during their recovery from alcohol abuse.

Alcohol Relapse by Gender

Men have a slightly higher chance of relapse compared to women, with studies showing a range between 50-90% for men and 40-85% for women. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
However, women who do relapse tend to experience more severe consequences such as health problems and social issues. (Harvard Health Publishing)
Women are also more likely to seek treatment for alcohol addiction at an earlier stage than men. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)

Alcohol Relapse by Age

The age group with the highest percentage of alcohol relapse is individuals aged 26-34, with a rate of around 70%. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
Individuals aged 18-25 have a relapse rate of approximately 60%, while those over 65 have a rate of around 50%. (Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment)
Adolescents who receive treatment for alcohol addiction have a higher risk of relapse compared to adults, with rates ranging from 70-90%. (American Society of Addiction Medicine)
Younger individuals who begin drinking at an earlier age are more likely to experience relapse later in life. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
Older adults who experience significant life changes such as retirement or the loss of a spouse may be at increased risk for relapse due to feelings of isolation and boredom. (Harvard Health Publishing)

Alcohol Relapse by Race

Studies have shown that race can also play a role in alcohol relapse rates. African Americans and Hispanics have lower rates of alcoholism compared to Whites, but they are more likely to experience negative consequences from drinking such as liver disease and legal issues. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
Among those who do struggle with alcohol addiction, Native Americans have the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
In terms of relapse rates, studies have found that White individuals have a higher likelihood of relapse compared to African Americans and Hispanics. One study showed that 72% of Whites relapsed within four years after treatment, compared to 43% of African Americans and 48% of Hispanics. (Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs)

Alcohol Relapse by Country

In the United States, alcohol relapse rates range from 40-60%, similar to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
In Canada, studies have found that up to 80% of people who seek treatment for alcohol addiction will relapse at some point. (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction)
In Australia, approximately 40% of individuals who receive treatment for alcohol addiction will relapse within the first year. (The Australian Psychological Society)
In the United Kingdom, around 50% of those in recovery will experience a relapse at some point. (Alcohol Change UK)
In France, studies have shown that up to 70% of individuals who receive treatment for alcohol addiction will relapse within the first year. (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research)
In Japan, reports suggest that around 25% of individuals in recovery from alcohol addiction will experience a relapse within the first year after treatment. (Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology)
In India, estimates suggest that around 65% of people with alcohol addiction will experience a relapse at some point after receiving treatment. (Indian Journal of Psychiatry)

While these statistics may seem discouraging, it is important to remember that every person's journey in recovery is unique. Relapse does not mean failure, and it is important to seek help and support when needed. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and with the right tools and resources, it is possible to maintain sobriety and live a fulfilling life.

Summary:

Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite efforts to combat this issue, relapse rates remain high among those in recovery. Understanding the statistics behind alcohol relapse can help individuals prepare for potential obstacles and maintain their sobriety.

This article highlights various key statistics related to alcohol relapse, including the percentage of alcoholics who relapse within the first year after treatment, the most common causes of relapse, and the different types of alcohol relapses. It also provides information on how age, gender, race, and country can influence an individual's likelihood of experiencing a relapse.

While these statistics may seem daunting, it is important to remember that every person's journey in recovery is unique. With the right tools and resources, it is possible to maintain sobriety and live a fulfilling life.