In Canada, substance use disorders exhibit significant relapse rates which mirror the challenging nature of recovery. The relapse rates (according to the CCSA) for substance use vary by drug type but are notably high for common substances. 

Less than 20% of those in outpatient programs maintain sobriety across an entire year. Additionally, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 85% of individuals relapse within a year of treatment.

Environmental factors: involvement with individuals / social circles who normalise substance abuse, the wide range accessibility of drugs, situations of stress (e.g. economic hardship, pressure at work), lack of social support.

Individual factors: genetic predispositions, mental health issues, lack of coping mechanisms, poor physical health, lack of motivation and commitment to recovery.

Systemic factors: inadequate access to treatment, stigma and discrimination, lack of continued support post-rehab, criminalization of substance use, insufficient integration of services.

Given the exponential increase in substance use disorder related deaths, MPF Canada will prioritise reducing the rate of relapse and helping individuals remain sober. Some important facts:

More than 85% of people relapse and return to old habits of drug or alcohol use within one year of treatment.

Only one in five people will stay sober in their first year of recovery. Fortunately, addiction relapse rates lessen after the first twelve months, but even after two years of substance abuse recovery, there is still a 40% drug relapse chance.