With the help of professional drug treatment programs, many people with addiction have learned to live meaningful, drug-free lives. Relapse rates among recovering opioid users are as high as 90%. However, study participants who completed an inpatient treatment program were more likely to avoid relapse and remain drug-free. Drug addiction is a chronic disease, and relapse is one of its major symptoms. It’s important for people in recovery to realize that relapse is the rule rather than the exception. Relapse prevention therapy can help addicted people learn how to avoid relapses, or at least how to minimize the severity of a relapse if they do slip. The sooner someone seeks help after a relapse, the sooner they’ll get back on track with their recovery program. Recovery rates are higher for patients who have access to aftercare support after they are discharged from treatment. Aftercare services include case management, alumni groups, community referrals, counseling services, sober housing, medication management and more. These services provide a source of stability and support for people in recovery while they transition back to daily life in the community.