63 Alcohol Recovery Statistics, Facts & Demographics

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019, approximately 6.5 million adults received alcohol treatment or counseling services.

By Surfpoint Recovery Staff

Published on

September 6, 2023

Top 10 Most Interesting Alcohol Recovery Statistics

Over 14 million adults in the United States have an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
30% of people who enter alcohol treatment programs drop out before completing the program.
The average age of first alcohol use in the US is 13 years old.
Men are more likely to develop an AUD than women, with a ratio of 2:1.
Only 10% of people with an AUD receive treatment.
The highest rate of AUD is among those aged 18-29 years old.
The success rate of alcohol treatment programs is around 50%.
90% of people who complete an alcohol treatment program report improved quality of life.
The annual economic cost of alcohol abuse in the US is over $250 billion.
Over 10% of American children live with a parent who has an AUD.

How Many People Recovered from Alcohol Addiction?

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019, approximately 6.5 million adults received alcohol treatment or counseling services.
The same survey found that about 62% of those who received treatment for alcohol addiction reported being sober one year after completing the program.
A study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that the percentage of people who achieve long-term sobriety (defined as five years or more) after receiving treatment for alcohol addiction is around 33%.

What Percentage Of Alcoholics Recover And Stay Sober?

Research suggests that around 50% of those who seek treatment for AUD are able to maintain sobriety in the long-term.

Success Rates of Treating Alcohol Addiction

The success rate of alcohol treatment programs is around 50%, which means that half of those who enter a program will remain sober after completing it.
One study found that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) had a success rate of 60-70%, while medication-assisted treatment (MAT) had a success rate of 50%.

Alcohol Recovery by Gender

Men are more likely to develop an AUD than women, with a ratio of 2:1.
The success rate for alcohol treatment programs is about the same for both men and women, at around 50%.

Alcohol Recovery by Age

The highest rate of AUD is among those aged 18-29 years old, with approximately 14.5% of adults in this age group having an AUD.
The rate of AUD decreases with age, with around 6.2% of adults aged 30-44 having an AUD and only 3.6% of adults aged 45 and older having an AUD.

Alcohol Recovery by Region

The prevalence of AUD varies by region. According to a survey conducted in 2019, the highest percentage of adults with an AUD was found in the Midwest region, at 7.8%.
The West region had the second-highest percentage, at 6.6%, followed by the Northeast region at 6.3% and the South region at 5.4%.

Alcohol Recovery by County

Russia: 16.29%
Germany: 14.44%
France: 13.68%
Lithuania: 12.27%
Finland: 10.83%
Ireland: 9.99%
Sweden: 7.51%
Canada: 5.82%
Spain: 4.95%
Brazil: 3.76%
Australia: 2.88%
Japan: 1.2%
India: 0.5%

What are the Potential Challenges to Recovery?

One of the biggest challenges to recovery is relapse, with up to 60% of individuals experiencing a return to heavy drinking at some point in their lifetime.
Another challenge is co-occurring mental health disorders, with around 37% of individuals with an AUD also experiencing a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety.
Social support is also a crucial factor in recovery, and lack of support can make it difficult for individuals to maintain sobriety. Studies show that up to 40% of individuals in recovery report feeling socially isolated.
Additionally, financial stress can be a barrier to recovery, with over 40% of individuals in treatment reporting financial difficulties as a result of their addiction.

Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment

Over 95% of adults with an AUD began drinking before the age of 21.
The prevalence of AUD in the US is highest in the Midwest and lowest in the West.
In 2019, over 67,000 people died from alcohol-related causes in the US.
The mortality rate for people with an AUD is 3-4 times higher than the general population.
Alcohol use is a factor in 1/3 of all traffic fatalities in the US.
Over 80% of people with an AUD experience at least one relapse after treatment.

What are the Key Factors That Can Support Recovery?

Individuals with supportive friends and family members are 10 times more likely to maintain sobriety than those without adequate support (90% vs. 9%).
Individuals who engage in physical activity have a 30% greater chance of maintaining sobriety than those who do not.
Individuals who attend AA meetings at least once a week are twice as likely to maintain sobriety compared to those who do not attend any meetings (67% vs. 34%).
Studies show that individuals who receive counseling or therapy during their recovery process have a 50% greater chance of maintaining sobriety than those who do not seek professional help.

How long does it typically take for someone to recover from alcoholism?

On average, it takes about 5 years of sobriety for an individual to be considered fully recovered from alcoholism.
Studies show that individuals who have been sober for at least 5 years have a relapse rate of less than 15%.
Individuals who have been sober for over 10 years have a relapse rate of less than 7%.

How Many Alcoholics Relapse?

Around 40-60% of individuals who have completed alcohol treatment programs will experience a relapse at some point in their lifetime.
The risk of relapse is highest during the first year following treatment, with up to 80% of individuals experiencing a return to heavy drinking during this time.

What are some common treatments for alcoholism recovery?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy is highly effective in treating alcohol addiction. Studies show that individuals who receive CBT during their recovery process are 60% more likely to maintain sobriety than those who do not receive this treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT involves the use of medications such as Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram to help individuals manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse. Research suggests that MAT can increase the likelihood of successful recovery by up to 50%.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): MET is a counseling approach that focuses on helping individuals find the motivation to change their behavior. Studies show that individuals who receive MET during their recovery process are 30% more likely to maintain sobriety than those who do not receive this treatment.
Support Groups: Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide individuals with a supportive community of peers who understand what they are going through. Research suggests that attending support group meetings can increase the likelihood of successful recovery by up to 40%.

How does COVID-19 affect alcoholism recovery?

A survey conducted by the Addiction Policy Forum found that 20% of individuals in recovery reported a relapse triggered by pandemic-related stressors.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol sales increased by 54% in late March 2020 compared to the same period the year before, potentially indicating an increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic.
The NIAAA also reported a 14% increase in alcohol-related emergency department visits during the pandemic.
A survey conducted by the American Society of Addiction Medicine found that around 60% of addiction medicine physicians are now using telehealth services due to COVID-19.

What are the statistics about addicts getting sober?

Studies suggest that approximately 10% of individuals with an addiction achieve long-term sobriety without treatment.
The success rate for addiction treatment varies depending on the substance and type of treatment, but generally falls between 30-60%.
After completing a formal treatment program, around 40-60% of individuals experience at least one relapse.
The longer an individual remains in treatment, the greater their chances of maintaining sobriety. Those who complete at least 90 days of treatment have a higher success rate than those who do not.
Support from friends and family members can also improve an individual's chances of achieving and maintaining sobriety.

FAQs

What is Alcohol Recovery?

Alcohol recovery refers to the process an individual goes through to overcome alcohol addiction and achieve sobriety. This can involve a range of interventions, including therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups.

How long does Alcohol Recovery take?

The length of time it takes to achieve alcohol recovery varies from person to person. Some individuals may be able to achieve sobriety relatively quickly, while others may require ongoing support and treatment for an extended period of time.

Is Alcohol Recovery possible without professional help?

While some individuals are able to achieve sobriety without professional help, the chances of successful recovery are generally higher when individuals receive treatment and support from trained professionals.

Can I still drink in moderation after completing Alcohol Recovery?

For many individuals with a history of alcohol addiction, drinking in moderation may not be possible without risking a return to heavy drinking. As such, most treatment programs advocate for complete abstinence from alcohol.

Are there different types of Alcohol Recovery programs?

Yes, there are many different types of alcohol recovery programs available, ranging from outpatient counseling services to residential treatment facilities. The type of program that is best suited for an individual depends on their unique needs and circumstances.

Does insurance cover the cost of Alcohol Recovery programs?

Many insurance plans provide coverage for some or all of the costs associated with alcohol recovery programs. However, the extent of coverage can vary widely depending on the specific plan and provider. It is important to check with your insurance company directly to determine what is covered under your policy.

Conclusion

Alcohol addiction is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While recovery from alcohol addiction can be challenging, it is possible with the right support and treatment.

This article has provided an overview of some key statistics related to alcohol addiction and recovery, as well as some common treatments and potential challenges to recovery. It's important to remember that each individual's journey towards recovery is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

However, with commitment, perseverance, and the right support system in place, individuals struggling with alcohol addiction can achieve long-term sobriety and improve their overall quality of life.