Relapse Happens

Addictive behaviors are at an all-time high, driven in large part by COVID-related restrictions from the past 2 years. A recent study (McKinsey COVID-19 Consumer Survey, 3/29/2020) found that:

• 1 in 4      people reported binge drinking at least once in the past week.
• 1 out      of 5 people reported taking prescription drugs for non-medical reasons.
• 1 out      of 7 people reported using illicit drugs.

More than ever, we are a people in crisis. Stress and anxiety related to lock downs and openings and the related impacts on employment, parenting, schooling and day-to-day life are at all-time peaks. People who are prone to choose substances to ease their anxiety are even more susceptible to do so than they were pre-COVID. 

As this instability spills over, those who were on the path to recovery are also challenged. Ending reliance on alcohol or chemicals has always been a long, complex process. Today it is even more so. Addiction seeps into every part of a person's life, affecting family relationships, work, friendships and the whole of their activities. The path to recovery is as rugged as ever as you know.

Consider these facts:

• 40-60% of people in recovery relapse at least once.

               (JAMA, 284; 1684-1695, 2000)

• The rate of relapse occurrences is increasing post-COVID.

               (Cenikor Foundation, 2020)

• The number of recovery attempts increases when psychological stress is higher.      (Recovery Research Institute, 2019)

Complete recovery most often takes 5 attempts, according to a recent study (Recovery Research Institute, 2019).

Our Managing Your World offers you a complete, well written and ready to go Relapse Prevention Program for use by providers of recovery treatment and services.