The Anonymous Epidemic: Studying the Causes of the High Relapse Rate of Alcoholics

Abstract

Alcohol Use Disorder, colloquially referred to as alcoholism, is a misunderstood disease that affects upwards of 15 million people in the United States alone. Sobriety is a common and reputable treatment solution. However, it is estimated that upwards of 80% of alcoholics relapse when attempting sobriety. The intention of this paper is to determine through interviews with recovering alcoholics why the relapse rate of alcoholics is as high as it is. The interviewees will discuss whether they have or have not relapsed and if they have what they are doing now that is preventing relapse. Through hearing the stories of recovering alcoholics, perhaps light can be shed on why relapse is a likelihood for many alcoholics and what needs to change to fix this matter.