Stabilization Program for Addiction

How Many Addicts Relapse After Rehab?

Although relapse rates after completing rehab can vary depending on several factors, studies show that approximately 40 to 60% of individuals in addiction recovery relapse at some point.¹ The factors that impact the likelihood of relapse include the type of substance use disorder, the quality and duration of treatment, individual circumstances, and the availability of ongoing support.

It’s important to understand that addiction is a chronic condition, and relapse is a common part of the recovery process for many individuals. However, relapse rates are typically reported as follows:

• Early relapse: The risk of relapse following drug treatment is highest in the first few months after leaving rehab. This is often referred to as the “high-risk” period.
• Duration of sobriety: The longer an individual maintains sobriety, the less likely they are to relapse. Those who can stay sober for a year or longer are generally less likely to return to substance use.
• Quality of treatment: The effectiveness of addiction treatment programs can vary, but high-quality, evidence-based treatment programs that address the specific needs of the individual tend to result in lower relapse rates.
• Support and aftercare: Having a strong support system and engaging in aftercare programs, 12-step meetings, or other forms of ongoing support can significantly reduce the risk of relapse by addressing common relapse triggers and how to cope with them.
• Co-occurring disorders: Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, may be at higher risk for relapse if both conditions are not effectively treated.

Relapse is preventable, but if it does occur, it does not equate to failure. Addiction is a complex disease that can manifest itself in various ways, so rather than considering relapse as a failure, it should be seen as an opportunity for learning and growth. The key to preventing or reducing the risk of relapse is a combination of effective treatment, ongoing support, and a commitment to the recovery process.

Why Is Drug and Alcohol Relapse So Dangerous?

Experiencing a relapse on drugs or alcohol can be extremely risky for many reasons. For starters, relapse frequently happens after a period of abstinence, during which time the body’s tolerance to the drug is reduced. After this absence, a person’s body can no longer handle the same level of intoxication when they relapse and resume abusing the substance in question at the same dosage they were used to. As a result, there is a far greater chance of overdosing, which can be fatal.

Relapse can also have a significant negative effect on a person’s mental and emotional health. It can result in emotions of failure, guilt, and humiliation, which can aggravate existing mental health issues or bring on the onset of new ones. The emotional anguish that is associated with relapse can worsen the cycle of addiction because people may use drugs or alcohol as a coping method to deal with these distressing feelings. As a result, there is an increased risk of addiction, which exacerbates the negative psychological and physical repercussions of substance usage.

Finally, relapsing on drugs or alcohol might have negative social repercussions. Relationships with family, friends, and other loved ones may become strained, which can cause feelings of alienation and loneliness. Financial consequences of relapse, such as job loss or increased spending on drugs, can also cause a great deal of stress and worsen the negative effects on a person’s life. These societal repercussions can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair, making it much harder for people to escape the cycle of addiction.

Importance of Stabilization

Relapse can be disheartening for those striving to maintain their recovery. Our stabilization addiction treatment program is designed to help individuals regain their footing after setbacks. Everyone makes mistakes, but one misstep shouldn’t undo all the progress you’ve made. Relapse is simply a hurdle on the journey to recovery, and there is always hope for getting back on track. Through stabilization treatment, patients learn to handle future challenges and effectively manage drug cravings.

Our Clinical Stabilization Services for Addiction

As an addiction stabilization center, also referred to as an Addiction Stabilization Unit (ASU), we are a specialized medical facility dedicated to providing immediate care and support for individuals facing acute substance abuse issues or withdrawal symptoms. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of those in crisis due to addiction.

Our Northeast rehab locations in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania offer comprehensive relapse treatment to assist individuals who have experienced a relapse or are at risk of one. We are committed to helping them regain their footing and maintain their recovery journey. Below, you’ll find an overview of the services provided through our stabilization program:

• Medical assessment: Upon admission, individuals are medically assessed to determine the severity of their withdrawal symptoms and overall health and create an appropriate treatment plan.
• Withdrawal management: Our stabilization program also provides medical supervision and medical detox to manage and alleviate withdrawal symptoms associated with various substances.
• Medication-assisted treatment: Our addiction stabilization centers may use medications, like methadone or buprenorphine, to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings in a controlled manner.
• Psychosocial support: Clients in our stabilization program receive counseling and support services to address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction, including individual and group therapy sessions.
• 24/7 monitoring: Our centers for rehab services typically operate around the clock to ensure continuous monitoring and care for patients during the critical early stages of stabilization.
• Safety and security: Security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to substances and to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
• Referral to continued treatment: After stabilization, clients are typically referred to longer-term addiction treatment programs, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab, to address any additional issues associated with addiction.

Our stabilization program is a 14-day long program that includes individual therapy sessions with our counselors. After a patient has completed their stabilization plan, they can then return to their former addiction treatment program or continue their recovery at home.