Understanding Relapse: Key Statistics and What They Mean for Recovery

We know how hard it can be — for both individuals in recovery and their loved ones — when relapse happens. It may feel like a step backward or like progress has been lost. 

But we promise you're not alone, and you're not without hope. Relapse is a common part of the recovery journey, and understanding it can make all the difference. 

In this article, we’ll break down what relapse means, how often it occurs, which substances carry the highest risk, and what factors can trigger it — so you can face it with clarity, compassion, and a stronger path forward.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Relapse in Addiction Recovery?
• Common Risk Factors for Relapse
• National Relapse Statistics
• The Role of Evidence-Based Treatment in Reducing Relapse
• Clear Steps Recovery Is Here for Those Experiencing Relapse

A relapse in addiction recovery is the return to substance use after a period of absolute nonuse. Relapse isn’t seen as failure because it’s an expected part of the recovery journey, especially in the first year. 

Relapse is dangerous because it can lead to overdose if someone resumes using substances at the same level they did before quitting. 

Most people think of recovery as only periods of progress; however, relapses are common temporary setbacks where a person starts using the substance again for a short or long period. Understanding relapse as part of a chronic condition allows for more effective responses and reminds the patient and their support group of the need for continued support and care. 

Relapse can be triggered by a range of psychological, behavioral, and environmental factors, including:

• Low self-efficacy: not believing one can stay sober
• Positive expectations of substance use: thinking it reduces anxiety or boosts sociability
• Lack of motivation
• Poor coping skills
• Negative emotions
• Inadequate support system
• Cravings or urges, and no adequate relapse prevention planning
• Untreated physical and mental health issues
• Being hungry, angry, lonely, or tired 
• Risky behaviors: keeping contact with users or dealers, visiting places associated with past use, isolation, or not reaching out during distress
• Environmental exposure: living near bars or in high-use areas, or working in settings where substance use is present

Relapse is a common and often misunderstood part of the recovery process. To support long-term success, it’s important to understand how frequently relapse occurs, which substances carry the highest risk, and how those odds change over time.

What Is the Relapse Rate?

The relapse rate for substance use disorder is estimated to be between 40% and 60%, which is comparable to relapse rates for other chronic medical conditions, such as asthma and hypertension, which range from 50% to 70%. 

This highlights the fact that addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition, not a sign of failure or lack of willpower. Just like with other chronic illnesses, ongoing treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and continued support are essential to managing substance use disorder (SUD) and reducing the risk of relapse over time.

What Drug Has the Highest Relapse Rate?

Opioids have the highest relapse rate among substances of abuse, making them one of the most difficult addictions to overcome. Opioids’ rate of relapse after rehab is estimated to be around 65% to 70%, which highlights the chronic and challenging nature of this condition and the profound physical, psychological, and neurological impact opioids can have on the body.  

Unlike some other substances, opioids create a powerful dependency that is both chemical and behavioral, making the path to recovery more complex. The high rates are mostly due to severe withdrawal symptoms, intense psychological cravings, and lasting changes to the brain’s reward system caused by the prolonged use of this drug. 

What Are the Odds of Relapse After Two Years?

Several studies show that the relapse rates after rehab can reach: 

• 65% to 70% within the first 90 days after treatment
• 60% of individuals relapse within the first year

However, the likelihood of relapse drops considerably beyond that point thanks to more stable coping skills, support systems, and behavioral changes developed over time. Still, continued care remains essential to support ongoing recovery and reduce the long-term risk of relapse.

Relapse prevention starts with the right support — both during treatment and long after it ends.

At Clear Steps Recovery, we focus on helping clients build sustainable, long-term recovery plans by addressing not just substance use but the underlying behaviors, physical challenges, and life transitions that can lead to relapse. Through a thoughtful combination of therapeutic tools, medical support, and continued care, we help each individual navigate the critical moments that follow early sobriety and stay committed to lasting change.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

It is important to use evidence-based therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to successfully and efficiently treat substance use disorders. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors through psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and skill-building.

Clear Steps Recovery uses CBT to treat not only SUD but also co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, which may lead to relapse if left unaddressed. 

At Clear Steps Recovery, we integrate CBT into each level of outpatient care — Day Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program, and Outpatient Therapy. Each treatment plan is personalized and provides varying levels of support based on the patient’s needs to ensure a long-term recovery. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders. MAT may: 

• Reduce drug use
• Lower the risk of overdose
• Improve treatment retention and quality of life
• Enhance relationships
• Increase motivation
• Improve overall health

Since MAT is tailored to each individual, it can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse depending on where the patient is in their recovery journey and how their treatment needs to evolve over time. 

Some FDA-approved medications used include: 

• Disulfiram: for alcohol use disorder
• Methadone and Buprenorphine: for opioid use disorder 
• Acamprosate and Naltrexone: for alcohol and opioid use

Structured Aftercare and Relapse Prevention Planning

To prevent relapse, one of the most important steps is to participate in a well-structured aftercare program. Aftercare programs and relapse prevention planning support patients as they transition from treatment back into daily life, a period that carries a high risk of relapse, especially in the first two weeks. 

These programs provide flexible yet structured support through counseling, 12-step meetings, and health check-ins. This approach helps individuals: 

• Maintain sobriety
• Adjust to less supervised environments
• Adapt treatment to new needs and circumstances
• Continue receiving guidance from experts who have supported them throughout their journey

Relapse is not the end — it’s a sign that more support is needed. 

At Clear Steps Recovery, we help individuals recover from relapse and stay on track with personalized treatment plans, ongoing care, and a strong recovery community. 

We offer three flexible Day Treatment programs and support both 12-step and Three Principles recovery paths. Many people who haven’t found success in other programs thrive with us. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call our 24/7 answering service to get connected to the right support. We're here when you need us.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.