A new approach to addiction treatment adds simple supports to medical care: regular phone check-ins, family, 12-step groups and spirituality. Only about 40% of people who start addiction treatment finish it. Studies suggest these steps raise both the number who finish and long-term recovery.
Summary: Studies show that only about 40% of those who begin addiction treatment programs finish them. Relapse rates are also high. So most people who start substance abuse treatment do not benefit. But studies suggest that non-drug steps can help raise addiction recovery rates. These include regular phone follow-up, family support, 12 steps and spirituality.
Many people with addiction want to live a healthy life. So many of them join recovery programs. But it is no secret that many of these programs fail over the long run, even when early results look good.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that less than half of those who start treatment for opioid and alcohol addiction finish it. Only about 40% of those who join treatment are thought to finish. Over the long run, only a small number of them stay clean.
So only a small share of people who join addiction treatment programs benefit in the long run. That is worrying. It means addiction treatment does not help well in most cases. But researchers think small changes to addiction treatment can greatly raise recovery rates.
Researchers have now found the factors that influence recovery rates. With these new methods, more than 70% of those who start substance abuse treatment can finish it. Most of them can stay clean for years. Some can live free of addiction for the rest of their lives.
The Suboxone program is another form taken up for opioid addiction treatment.
During treatment, addictive behavior needs to be dealt with. That means teaching people with substance use disorder (SUD) new ways to fight their old habits. It also means giving them much-needed social support.
For example, something as simple as a phone call twice a month may help a patient stay clean. It helps them mentally and emotionally. They feel more connected to their doctors. Studies suggest that just keeping in regular touch with patients can almost double their chances of staying free of addiction. So in addiction treatment, follow-up with patients is critical.
Many other things shape long-term recovery, like support from friends and family and being part of peer groups.
Recovery rates can also rise a lot with a 12-step program and spirituality.
Recovery is a lifelong process. Finishing a few weeks of treatment does not mean a person will stay clean for long. So the two most important factors for long-term recovery are social and emotional support and behavioral therapy.
A 12-step program and spirituality can also help reinforce certain things. First, spirituality must be practiced daily. It builds willpower, self-confidence and the belief that you can beat addiction. It also means making a moral inventory. Finally, it means accepting your shortcomings and working on them. Prayer and meditation may also help remove weaknesses and bring a spiritual awakening.
For long-term recovery, non-drug steps matter more than drugs. More and more evidence shows that check-ins, support and teaching patients to change habits can make a big difference.
So everyone seeking treatment for their addiction should look closely at the non-drug care an addiction center offers. That includes support, 12 Steps, spirituality, teaching skills for coping with people and with thoughts, and more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the success rate of addiction treatment?
Less than half of the people who start treatment for opioid and alcohol addiction finish it, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from SAMHSA. Only about 40% finish. Relapse rates are high, so over the long run only a small number stay clean. Researchers think small changes to addiction treatment can greatly raise recovery rates.
How can addiction recovery rates be improved?
Researchers have found what shapes recovery. Using it, more than 70% of people who start substance abuse treatment can finish it, and most can stay clean for years. The two biggest keys to long-term recovery are emotional support and therapy to change habits. Regular check-ins, family, peer groups, a 12-step program and spirituality back them up.
Does a regular phone call help people stay clean?
Yes. A simple phone call twice a month may help a patient stay clean. It helps people mentally and emotionally, and they feel more connected to their doctors. Studies suggest that keeping in regular touch with patients can almost double their chances of staying free of addiction. That is why follow-up with patients is critical in addiction treatment.
Do 12-step programs and spirituality help with addiction?
Recovery rates can rise a lot with a 12-step program and spirituality. Both ask for daily practice. They build willpower, self-confidence and the belief that addiction can be beaten. They also mean taking stock of yourself, owning your flaws and working on them. Prayer and meditation may also help remove weak spots and bring a spiritual awakening. Recovery lasts a lifetime.
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