GITNUXREPORT 2026

Relapse After Rehab Statistics

Relapse rates after rehab are high but long-term support helps significantly.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Males exhibit 15% higher relapse rates post-rehab than females across substances.

Statistic 2

Adolescents (13-17) have 75% relapse rate within 1 year after youth rehab programs.

Statistic 3

African American rehab patients show 52% relapse vs. 47% for Caucasians at 12 months.

Statistic 4

Women with children under 18 relapse 20% more post-rehab due to custody stress.

Statistic 5

Adults over 50 have 30% lower relapse rates than under 30 post-rehab.

Statistic 6

Rural residents relapse 10% higher than urban post-rehab due to access issues.

Statistic 7

College-educated individuals relapse 25% less after rehab compared to non-grads.

Statistic 8

Unemployed rehab completers relapse at 68% vs. 39% employed at 1 year.

Statistic 9

LGBTQ+ individuals relapse 18% higher post-rehab due to minority stress.

Statistic 10

Veterans post-rehab: 55% relapse rate influenced by PTSD comorbidity.

Statistic 11

Hispanic patients: 46% relapse at 6 months vs. 51% non-Hispanic whites.

Statistic 12

Single/divorced relapse 22% more than married post-rehab.

Statistic 13

Low-income (<$25k) relapse 60% vs. 35% high-income at 12 months.

Statistic 14

Males aged 18-25: 82% relapse within 90 days post-rehab.

Statistic 15

Pregnant women post-perinatal rehab: 28% relapse rate at 1 year.

Statistic 16

Native American rehab patients: 64% relapse due to cultural barriers.

Statistic 17

Homeless individuals post-rehab: 85% relapse within 6 months.

Statistic 18

High school dropouts relapse 40% more than graduates post-treatment.

Statistic 19

Asian Americans: lowest relapse at 32% post-rehab at 1 year.

Statistic 20

Approximately 40-60% of individuals who complete drug rehabilitation programs relapse within the first year post-treatment, according to a comprehensive meta-analysis of addiction recovery outcomes.

Statistic 21

In a study of 4,599 patients from 361 U.S. treatment programs, 49.5% relapsed within 1 year after discharge from outpatient or residential rehab.

Statistic 22

68% of rehab graduates experience at least one relapse episode within 6 months, with rates peaking at 3 months post-discharge.

Statistic 23

Long-term follow-up shows 85% lifetime relapse rate for substance use disorder patients after initial rehab completion.

Statistic 24

Among 1,112 rehab completers, 31% relapsed within 90 days, rising to 52% by 180 days.

Statistic 25

Post-rehab relapse rate is 45% at 3 months for alcohol use disorder patients in intensive outpatient programs.

Statistic 26

59% of opioid-dependent individuals relapse within 1 week of leaving residential rehab without medication-assisted treatment.

Statistic 27

A cohort of 457 rehab patients reported 40.2% relapse rate at 12 months, with 22% requiring rehospitalization.

Statistic 28

70-90% of cocaine addicts relapse within the first year after rehab discharge, per NIDA longitudinal studies.

Statistic 29

In residential treatment alumni, 33% sustained abstinence at 1 year, implying 67% relapse rate.

Statistic 30

55% of methamphetamine users relapse within 3 months post-rehab, based on a sample of 360 participants.

Statistic 31

Relapse rate drops to 25% at 5 years for those attending 90 meetings in 90 days post-rehab.

Statistic 32

48% of dual-diagnosis patients relapse within 6 months after integrated rehab programs.

Statistic 33

Among 23,000 rehab episodes analyzed, 50.1% had relapse indicators within 30 days post-discharge.

Statistic 34

62% of young adults (18-25) relapse within 1 year after teen rehab programs.

Statistic 35

Heroin users show 65% relapse rate at 6 months post-detox rehab without contingency management.

Statistic 36

42% relapse rate at 1 year for nicotine-dependent patients after smoking cessation rehab.

Statistic 37

Post-bariatric surgery rehab patients with substance history have 38% relapse rate within 2 years.

Statistic 38

51% of rehab completers for prescription opioids relapse within 90 days per VA studies.

Statistic 39

Overall, 60% of substance abusers relapse after 1 year, comparable to hypertension (50-70%).

Statistic 40

80% of those who relapse after rehab do so within 1 month, per addiction journal review.

Statistic 41

Alcohol rehab patients: 66% relapse in first year without aftercare.

Statistic 42

Opioid rehab alumni: 49% relapse rate at 18 months in community settings.

Statistic 43

Cannabis-only rehab: 43% relapse within 6 months post-treatment.

Statistic 44

Benzodiazepine rehab: 71% relapse rate within 3 months due to withdrawal.

Statistic 45

Stimulant rehab: 75% relapse in first 90 days without behavioral therapy.

Statistic 46

Poly-substance rehab: 57% relapse at 1 year per multisite trial.

Statistic 47

Elderly rehab patients (>65): 35% relapse rate at 12 months.

Statistic 48

53% of outpatient rehab completers relapse within 1 year vs. 40% residential.

Statistic 49

Individuals with co-occurring anxiety disorders relapse 2.5 times more post-rehab.

Statistic 50

History of childhood trauma increases relapse risk by 50% after rehab.

Statistic 51

High impulsivity scores predict 70% relapse within 3 months post-rehab.

Statistic 52

Depression relapse correlation: 62% higher odds post-substance rehab.

Statistic 53

Poor coping skills lead to 55% relapse rate in stress situations post-rehab.

Statistic 54

Craving intensity predicts 80% of relapses within first month post-rehab.

Statistic 55

Antisocial personality disorder: 75% relapse vs. 45% without post-rehab.

Statistic 56

Low self-efficacy scores correlate with 68% relapse at 6 months.

Statistic 57

Exposure to drug cues increases relapse risk by 40% in experimental settings post-rehab.

Statistic 58

Chronic stress hormone levels predict 59% relapse probability post-treatment.

Statistic 59

Poor emotional regulation: 65% relapse rate in first year after rehab.

Statistic 60

History of multiple prior relapses increases next relapse odds by 3x.

Statistic 61

Negative affect states trigger 72% of relapse episodes post-rehab.

Statistic 62

Low mindfulness practice adherence leads to 58% higher relapse.

Statistic 63

ADHD comorbidity: 69% relapse within 90 days post-rehab.

Statistic 64

High neuroticism personality trait: 61% relapse at 12 months.

Statistic 65

Social isolation post-rehab predicts 76% relapse risk.

Statistic 66

Gamblers with SUD history: behavioral addiction crossover 50% relapse.

Statistic 67

Sleep disturbances increase relapse by 45% post-rehab.

Statistic 68

For alcohol, relapse rates after rehab are 40% in 3 months, 60% in 12 months.

Statistic 69

Opioid relapse post-rehab: 80-95% within 1 month without buprenorphine maintenance.

Statistic 70

Cocaine users relapse at 70% rate within 1 year after standard rehab protocols.

Statistic 71

Heroin addicts: 61% relapse within 6 weeks post-detox rehab.

Statistic 72

Methamphetamine rehab completers: 92% relapse within 1 year per Australian study.

Statistic 73

Prescription opioid rehab: 59% relapse in 6 months without naltrexone.

Statistic 74

Cannabis dependence post-rehab: 77% relapse within 180 days.

Statistic 75

Benzodiazepine withdrawal rehab: 75% relapse rate at 6 months.

Statistic 76

Nicotine replacement therapy post-rehab: 85-95% relapse within 1 year.

Statistic 77

Fentanyl-specific rehab: 88% relapse within 90 days per recent CDC data.

Statistic 78

Alcoholics Anonymous post-rehab: 50% relapse for alcohol within 1 year.

Statistic 79

Crack cocaine rehab: 83% relapse in first 3 months.

Statistic 80

Oxycodone rehab patients: 67% relapse at 12 months.

Statistic 81

MDMA/ecstasy post-rehab: 55% relapse within 6 months.

Statistic 82

Barbiturate rehab: 90% relapse rate due to severe dependence.

Statistic 83

PCP rehab completers: 65% relapse in 1 year.

Statistic 84

Inhalant abuse rehab: 72% relapse within 90 days post-treatment.

Statistic 85

Synthetic cannabinoids post-rehab: 78% relapse at 6 months.

Statistic 86

LSD rehab (rare): 40% relapse rate for hallucinogen persisting disorder.

Statistic 87

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces opioid relapse by 50% compared to non-MAT post-rehab.

Statistic 88

12-step programs attendance post-rehab lowers relapse to 35% at 1 year vs. 60% without.

Statistic 89

Contingency management post-rehab cuts stimulant relapse by 61%.

Statistic 90

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aftercare reduces relapse by 40-60%.

Statistic 91

Extended outpatient aftercare (6+ months) halves relapse rates to 25%.

Statistic 92

Naltrexone maintenance post-alcohol rehab: 17% relapse vs. 50% placebo.

Statistic 93

Family therapy inclusion in aftercare reduces relapse by 30%.

Statistic 94

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP): 31% relapse vs. 54% standard.

Statistic 95

Residential aftercare housing lowers relapse to 20% at 12 months.

Statistic 96

Vivitrol injections post-rehab: 38% lower relapse for opioids.

Statistic 97

Peer recovery coaching post-rehab reduces relapse by 27%.

Statistic 98

Exercise programs in aftercare cut relapse by 45% per meta-analysis.

Statistic 99

Vocational rehab linkage post-treatment: 40% relapse reduction.

Statistic 100

Telehealth aftercare monitoring: 25% lower relapse than in-person only.

Statistic 101

Acamprosate for alcohol: 36% relapse vs. 50% placebo at 6 months.

Statistic 102

Intensive outpatient (IOP) aftercare: 42% relapse vs. 58% standard outpatient.

Statistic 103

Sober living homes: 43% abstinence at 1 year post-rehab.

Statistic 104

Dual diagnosis aftercare: 35% relapse reduction with integrated care.

Statistic 105

App-based relapse prevention tools: 22% lower relapse rates.

Statistic 106

Buprenorphine taper post-rehab: 55% sustained remission vs. abrupt cessation.

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While leaving rehab may feel like crossing the finish line, the stark reality is that within the first year, approximately 40-60% of individuals will face a relapse.

Key Takeaways

Approximately 40-60% of individuals who complete drug rehabilitation programs relapse within the first year post-treatment, according to a comprehensive meta-analysis of addiction recovery outcomes.
In a study of 4,599 patients from 361 U.S. treatment programs, 49.5% relapsed within 1 year after discharge from outpatient or residential rehab.
68% of rehab graduates experience at least one relapse episode within 6 months, with rates peaking at 3 months post-discharge.
For alcohol, relapse rates after rehab are 40% in 3 months, 60% in 12 months.
Opioid relapse post-rehab: 80-95% within 1 month without buprenorphine maintenance.
Cocaine users relapse at 70% rate within 1 year after standard rehab protocols.
Males exhibit 15% higher relapse rates post-rehab than females across substances.
Adolescents (13-17) have 75% relapse rate within 1 year after youth rehab programs.
African American rehab patients show 52% relapse vs. 47% for Caucasians at 12 months.
Individuals with co-occurring anxiety disorders relapse 2.5 times more post-rehab.
History of childhood trauma increases relapse risk by 50% after rehab.
High impulsivity scores predict 70% relapse within 3 months post-rehab.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces opioid relapse by 50% compared to non-MAT post-rehab.
12-step programs attendance post-rehab lowers relapse to 35% at 1 year vs. 60% without.
Contingency management post-rehab cuts stimulant relapse by 61%.

Relapse rates after rehab are high but long-term support helps significantly.

Demographic Factors in Relapse

Males exhibit 15% higher relapse rates post-rehab than females across substances.
Adolescents (13-17) have 75% relapse rate within 1 year after youth rehab programs.
African American rehab patients show 52% relapse vs. 47% for Caucasians at 12 months.
Women with children under 18 relapse 20% more post-rehab due to custody stress.
Adults over 50 have 30% lower relapse rates than under 30 post-rehab.
Rural residents relapse 10% higher than urban post-rehab due to access issues.
College-educated individuals relapse 25% less after rehab compared to non-grads.
Unemployed rehab completers relapse at 68% vs. 39% employed at 1 year.
LGBTQ+ individuals relapse 18% higher post-rehab due to minority stress.
Veterans post-rehab: 55% relapse rate influenced by PTSD comorbidity.
Hispanic patients: 46% relapse at 6 months vs. 51% non-Hispanic whites.
Single/divorced relapse 22% more than married post-rehab.
Low-income (<$25k) relapse 60% vs. 35% high-income at 12 months.
Males aged 18-25: 82% relapse within 90 days post-rehab.
Pregnant women post-perinatal rehab: 28% relapse rate at 1 year.
Native American rehab patients: 64% relapse due to cultural barriers.
Homeless individuals post-rehab: 85% relapse within 6 months.
High school dropouts relapse 40% more than graduates post-treatment.
Asian Americans: lowest relapse at 32% post-rehab at 1 year.

Demographic Factors in Relapse Interpretation

These statistics reveal that while addiction attacks indiscriminately, recovery is profoundly shaped by who you are, where you live, and the specific burdens society places upon your shoulders.

Overall Relapse Rates

Approximately 40-60% of individuals who complete drug rehabilitation programs relapse within the first year post-treatment, according to a comprehensive meta-analysis of addiction recovery outcomes.
In a study of 4,599 patients from 361 U.S. treatment programs, 49.5% relapsed within 1 year after discharge from outpatient or residential rehab.
68% of rehab graduates experience at least one relapse episode within 6 months, with rates peaking at 3 months post-discharge.
Long-term follow-up shows 85% lifetime relapse rate for substance use disorder patients after initial rehab completion.
Among 1,112 rehab completers, 31% relapsed within 90 days, rising to 52% by 180 days.
Post-rehab relapse rate is 45% at 3 months for alcohol use disorder patients in intensive outpatient programs.
59% of opioid-dependent individuals relapse within 1 week of leaving residential rehab without medication-assisted treatment.
A cohort of 457 rehab patients reported 40.2% relapse rate at 12 months, with 22% requiring rehospitalization.
70-90% of cocaine addicts relapse within the first year after rehab discharge, per NIDA longitudinal studies.
In residential treatment alumni, 33% sustained abstinence at 1 year, implying 67% relapse rate.
55% of methamphetamine users relapse within 3 months post-rehab, based on a sample of 360 participants.
Relapse rate drops to 25% at 5 years for those attending 90 meetings in 90 days post-rehab.
48% of dual-diagnosis patients relapse within 6 months after integrated rehab programs.
Among 23,000 rehab episodes analyzed, 50.1% had relapse indicators within 30 days post-discharge.
62% of young adults (18-25) relapse within 1 year after teen rehab programs.
Heroin users show 65% relapse rate at 6 months post-detox rehab without contingency management.
42% relapse rate at 1 year for nicotine-dependent patients after smoking cessation rehab.
Post-bariatric surgery rehab patients with substance history have 38% relapse rate within 2 years.
51% of rehab completers for prescription opioids relapse within 90 days per VA studies.
Overall, 60% of substance abusers relapse after 1 year, comparable to hypertension (50-70%).
80% of those who relapse after rehab do so within 1 month, per addiction journal review.
Alcohol rehab patients: 66% relapse in first year without aftercare.
Opioid rehab alumni: 49% relapse rate at 18 months in community settings.
Cannabis-only rehab: 43% relapse within 6 months post-treatment.
Benzodiazepine rehab: 71% relapse rate within 3 months due to withdrawal.
Stimulant rehab: 75% relapse in first 90 days without behavioral therapy.
Poly-substance rehab: 57% relapse at 1 year per multisite trial.
Elderly rehab patients (>65): 35% relapse rate at 12 months.
53% of outpatient rehab completers relapse within 1 year vs. 40% residential.

Overall Relapse Rates Interpretation

The numbers soberly insist that recovery is more often a rugged path of progress and setback than a neat, one-and-done graduation ceremony.

Psychological and Behavioral Factors

Individuals with co-occurring anxiety disorders relapse 2.5 times more post-rehab.
History of childhood trauma increases relapse risk by 50% after rehab.
High impulsivity scores predict 70% relapse within 3 months post-rehab.
Depression relapse correlation: 62% higher odds post-substance rehab.
Poor coping skills lead to 55% relapse rate in stress situations post-rehab.
Craving intensity predicts 80% of relapses within first month post-rehab.
Antisocial personality disorder: 75% relapse vs. 45% without post-rehab.
Low self-efficacy scores correlate with 68% relapse at 6 months.
Exposure to drug cues increases relapse risk by 40% in experimental settings post-rehab.
Chronic stress hormone levels predict 59% relapse probability post-treatment.
Poor emotional regulation: 65% relapse rate in first year after rehab.
History of multiple prior relapses increases next relapse odds by 3x.
Negative affect states trigger 72% of relapse episodes post-rehab.
Low mindfulness practice adherence leads to 58% higher relapse.
ADHD comorbidity: 69% relapse within 90 days post-rehab.
High neuroticism personality trait: 61% relapse at 12 months.
Social isolation post-rehab predicts 76% relapse risk.
Gamblers with SUD history: behavioral addiction crossover 50% relapse.
Sleep disturbances increase relapse by 45% post-rehab.

Psychological and Behavioral Factors Interpretation

The statistics soberly reveal that while rehab mends the hinges, a mind haunted by its own history, poor coping tools, and isolation is often the ghost that opens the door for relapse to walk right back in.

Relapse by Drug Type

For alcohol, relapse rates after rehab are 40% in 3 months, 60% in 12 months.
Opioid relapse post-rehab: 80-95% within 1 month without buprenorphine maintenance.
Cocaine users relapse at 70% rate within 1 year after standard rehab protocols.
Heroin addicts: 61% relapse within 6 weeks post-detox rehab.
Methamphetamine rehab completers: 92% relapse within 1 year per Australian study.
Prescription opioid rehab: 59% relapse in 6 months without naltrexone.
Cannabis dependence post-rehab: 77% relapse within 180 days.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal rehab: 75% relapse rate at 6 months.
Nicotine replacement therapy post-rehab: 85-95% relapse within 1 year.
Fentanyl-specific rehab: 88% relapse within 90 days per recent CDC data.
Alcoholics Anonymous post-rehab: 50% relapse for alcohol within 1 year.
Crack cocaine rehab: 83% relapse in first 3 months.
Oxycodone rehab patients: 67% relapse at 12 months.
MDMA/ecstasy post-rehab: 55% relapse within 6 months.
Barbiturate rehab: 90% relapse rate due to severe dependence.
PCP rehab completers: 65% relapse in 1 year.
Inhalant abuse rehab: 72% relapse within 90 days post-treatment.
Synthetic cannabinoids post-rehab: 78% relapse at 6 months.
LSD rehab (rare): 40% relapse rate for hallucinogen persisting disorder.

Relapse by Drug Type Interpretation

The sheer mountain of relapse statistics for every substance from alcohol to LSD is a grim but brutally honest reminder that rehab is merely the opening scene in a lifelong play where the villain, addiction, is constantly waiting in the wings for its cue.

Treatment and Aftercare Efficacy

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces opioid relapse by 50% compared to non-MAT post-rehab.
12-step programs attendance post-rehab lowers relapse to 35% at 1 year vs. 60% without.
Contingency management post-rehab cuts stimulant relapse by 61%.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aftercare reduces relapse by 40-60%.
Extended outpatient aftercare (6+ months) halves relapse rates to 25%.
Naltrexone maintenance post-alcohol rehab: 17% relapse vs. 50% placebo.
Family therapy inclusion in aftercare reduces relapse by 30%.
Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP): 31% relapse vs. 54% standard.
Residential aftercare housing lowers relapse to 20% at 12 months.
Vivitrol injections post-rehab: 38% lower relapse for opioids.
Peer recovery coaching post-rehab reduces relapse by 27%.
Exercise programs in aftercare cut relapse by 45% per meta-analysis.
Vocational rehab linkage post-treatment: 40% relapse reduction.
Telehealth aftercare monitoring: 25% lower relapse than in-person only.
Acamprosate for alcohol: 36% relapse vs. 50% placebo at 6 months.
Intensive outpatient (IOP) aftercare: 42% relapse vs. 58% standard outpatient.
Sober living homes: 43% abstinence at 1 year post-rehab.
Dual diagnosis aftercare: 35% relapse reduction with integrated care.
App-based relapse prevention tools: 22% lower relapse rates.
Buprenorphine taper post-rehab: 55% sustained remission vs. abrupt cessation.

Treatment and Aftercare Efficacy Interpretation

While the path to recovery is a gauntlet, these statistics are a wonderfully smug collection of "we told you so" evidence that shows not fighting addiction with every tool you have is basically arguing with math.

Sources & References

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