How Many Times Does It Take to Stay Sober? Understanding the Journey to Long-Term Recovery
For anyone facing addiction, achieving long-term recovery can often feel like a winding path, full of uncertainty and setbacks. The question many ask is: how many times does it take to stay sober? The answer is not straightforward, because each individual’s journey to sobriety is unique. It’s important to remember that setbacks are part of the recovery process, not a sign of failure. At John Volken Academy, where young adults receive long-term treatment, recovery is seen as an ongoing commitment, with personalized support to help individuals build resilience against relapse.
How Many Attempts Does It Take to Achieve Sobriety?
The simple answer is: as many times as it takes. For many people, staying sober can require multiple attempts, and each attempt is a valuable part of the learning process. Relapse is common, and it doesn’t mean failure—it means the individual is still learning how to manage their condition.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 40 to 60 percent of people recovering from substance use disorder will experience a relapse (NIDA). These statistics show that addiction is not simply a matter of willpower; rather, it’s a chronic condition that often requires multiple interventions.
Recovery is about more than simply abstaining from drugs or alcohol—it’s about learning new behaviors, managing triggers, and developing a support system that fosters long-term growth. Each time a person experiences a setback, they have the opportunity to learn something new about themselves and their recovery process. At the John Volken Academy, long-term treatment emphasizes resilience and growth, helping individuals understand that recovery is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing journey.
The Reality of Relapse
Relapse is a common experience during addiction recovery. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 40 to 60 percent of people recovering from substance use disorder will experience a relapse. This rate is similar to that of other chronic conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, which also require ongoing management.
The important thing to understand is that relapse doesn’t mean failure—it’s a sign that treatment needs to be adjusted or continued in a different way. Long-term recovery often requires trying different treatment approaches, finding the right support system, and building new coping skills. The John Volken Academy’s addiction treatment in Phoenix, AZ offers a therapeutic community environment designed to help participants develop life skills, work experience, and build emotional resilience, significantly reducing the risk of relapse over time.
A Holistic Approach to Long-Term Sobriety
One reason that long-term sobriety often takes multiple attempts is that recovery is about more than just quitting substance use. It requires addressing the underlying issues that contribute to addiction, such as trauma, mental health challenges, or environmental factors. The John Volken Academy—one of the top programs at one of the top centers in Mesa, AZ—provides an integrated approach to treating addiction, focusing on therapeutic support, life skills training, and vocational development.
Many individuals battling addiction also struggle with feelings of shame, self-doubt, or even a history of legal problems like jail or prison time. Without addressing these root issues, maintaining sobriety can feel impossible. By focusing on behavior change and developing new coping mechanisms, programs offered at the John Volken Academy aim to help young people build a solid foundation for a life free from addiction.
What is Therapeutic Community?
The term “therapeutic community” refers to a model of treatment that emphasizes social support, accountability, and positive reinforcement within a community setting. At the John Volken Academy, participants live and work alongside each other, offering encouragement and motivation throughout their shared recovery journey. This type of therapeutic community model has been shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders, especially for individuals who struggle with substances like fentanyl, heroin, meth, and cocaine.
By surrounding themselves with peers who are also committed to recovery, individuals are better able to create lasting changes in their lives. The academy provides a free program and long-term treatment, including fentanyl issue options and a program for heroin or meth, helping people break the cycle of addiction in a supportive environment.
The Role of Multiple Treatment Attempts
For many people, achieving long-term sobriety takes more than one attempt. Addiction is a chronic condition, and it’s not uncommon for individuals to require multiple rounds of treatment to sustain their recovery. This doesn’t mean that the first or second attempt was a failure—instead, it often takes time to find the right combination of support, environment, and motivation.
At the John Volken Academy, individuals receive a personalized approach to treatment, with behavior modification and support tailored to their unique needs. The program offers a mix of behavior changes, life skills training, and educational opportunities that help young adults not only get sober, but also prepare for a successful and fulfilling life post-treatment. The academy works with participants until they are fully prepared for reintegration into society.
Why Long-Term Support Matters
One of the key components of lasting recovery is ongoing support—even after initial treatment has ended. Often, people struggle to maintain sobriety because they don’t have the necessary resources and support systems in place after leaving a treatment program. The John Volken Academy understands this challenge and emphasizes preparing individuals for successful reintegration into society. By combining education, vocational skills, and emotional support, the academy aims to reduce the risk of relapse and ensure individuals have the tools they need to sustain a sober lifestyle.
Additionally, the academy’s programs are not just about treating addiction; they’re also about empowering participants to find a sense of purpose, build confidence, and create meaningful connections. These elements are critical in preventing relapse and ensuring long-term success.
Your Journey to Long-Term Recovery Begins Here
Recovery from addiction is a journey that often takes multiple attempts. But with the right support, environment, and treatment, long-term sobriety is achievable. The John Volken Academy offers a comprehensive recovery program that combines behavior modification, education, and vocational training, all within a supportive community. If you or a loved one are ready to take the first step towards lasting recovery, contact us today. The John Volken Academy is here to help young adults find hope, healing, and a path to a brighter future.