If you have questions about addiction recovery, these FAQs can help.

Treatment for addiction is often the first step to recovery. Addiction is a chronic brain disease, so maintaining sobriety is a lifelong process. During treatment, patients will typically create an aftercare plan with their treatment providers, but they may still experience setbacks and challenges. 

According to data from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 20 million Americans needed drug or alcohol abuse treatment, but only 4 million people received rehab care. Because recovery is a lifelong process, some people may experience setbacks. 

Unfortunately, the drug addiction relapse rate is estimated to be between 40 and 60 percent, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Long-term studies have shown that almost 90 percent of people who had an aftercare plan and were sober for two years or more did not experience a setback after ten years of leaving rehab. It’s critical for people to establish and follow an aftercare plan once rehab ends and build strong support networks.

Addiction Recovery FAQs

Finding the answers to addiction recovery frequently asked questions can make a difference in someone’s long-term sobriety. Read these commonly asked questions to get the answers you need.

Can A Slip Grow into A Relapse?

Do I Need to Drop All My Friends Who Use in Recovery?

Is It OK to Date in Early Recovery?

Are Slips the Same as a Relapse?

Is it Okay to Smoke Cigarettes in Recovery?

How Long Does Addiction Recovery Take?

Is it Common to Relapse After Rehab?

Is Religion A Necessary Part of Addiction Recovery?

Will Volunteerism Help You with Addiction Recovery?

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.