Addiction specialists cite slightly higher success rates, between 8 and 12%. An article in the New York Times states that AA states that up to 75% of its members remain abstinent. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous touts a success rate of around 50%, and states that another 25% remain sober after a few relapses. Unfortunately, the percentage of people who recover from alcoholism is low, while relapse rates are high.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that 90 percent of alcoholics will have at least one relapse during their first four years of sobriety. However, how a recovering alcoholic handles their relapse is the key to long-term sobriety. Recovering alcoholics are better prepared to overcome their addiction when they commit to following a post-sobriety care plan after treatment, especially when the plans include a healthy lifestyle that minimizes triggers and emphasizes the importance of connecting to a network of sober friends.
