A fairly common thought or misconception among people who are apprehensive about going to rehab or who may even flat out refuse to go is the argument that going to rehab doesn’t work. While it may be true that if you don’t put in the effort and don’t commit fully, rehab may not be effective, to say that it never works is also wrong.
So, does rehab actually work?
Well, in this blog, we will attempt to answer that question once and for all by looking at rehabilitation success rates, exploring the challenges of relapse, defining what real treatment success looks like, and offering guidance on choosing the most effective treatment facility.
How Effective Is Rehab?
Rehab programs are designed to provide structured support for those in need of addiction treatment. While the tools needed to successfully undergo treatment are there, the effectiveness of rehab ultimately comes down to the person’s willingness to “buy in” and participate.
Even then, the effectiveness can be influenced by a number of factors such as the type of substance, the existence of co-occurring mental health conditions, the level of care provided, and the duration of treatment. As you can probably imagine, long-term residential treatment combined with behavioral therapy and aftercare support tends to have a higher success rate than, say, just a short-term detox program.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that rehab alone isn’t a cure. What it is, though, is a powerful starting point in the overall recovery process. In fact, when paired with the right tools and ongoing support, it can be life-changing.
How Many Individuals Relapse After Completing Treatment?
For better or for worse, relapse is a fairly common part of the recovery journey. In fact, relapse may be more common than you realize. According to NIDA, relapse rates for addiction fall in the 40% to 60% range, which mirrors those of other chronic illnesses, such as hypertension and asthma. That means that, even after undergoing treatment, some people return to abusing substances, often as a result of triggers, stress, or underlying mental health conditions.
It’s important to note that relapse is NOT a sign of weakness or failure. It also isn’t necessarily a sign that rehab isn’t effective, either. What it does highlight, though, is the need for comprehensive treatment that includes relapse prevention strategies and long-term follow-up care. Just like a person with diabetes may need to return to a doctor to adjust medication or lifestyle habits, someone in recovery may require ongoing support, therapy, or a return to treatment. Furthermore, if addressed properly, relapse can provide valuable lessons, many of which can be used to achieve long-term sobriety.
What Is Treatment Success?
Success in rehab doesn’t always mean abstinence for life starting on day one. Recovery is often nonlinear and deeply personal.
So what does “treatment success” really look like?
Well, treatment success can be defined in a number of different ways, depending on individual goals and clinical benchmarks. Examples include:
- Reduction or elimination of substance use
- Improved mental and physical health
- Stronger relationships and social support systems
- Increased employment or education engagement
- Lowered risk of criminal activity
- Improved quality of life
For some, success may mean transitioning from daily use to infrequent use before reaching complete sobriety. For others, success may involve maintaining medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder while rebuilding their life.
Programs that offer personalized care plans, including addressing co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety, tend to result in more sustainable outcomes.
What Does Recovery Look Like After Rehab?
Just because a person has completed treatment doesn’t mean recovery is over. In fact, some could argue it’s only just beginning.
Recovery is a lifelong journey that requires daily effort and a good aftercare plan. After rehab, many people choose to continue their recovery journey by entering into a sober living home, continuing outpatient therapy, joining a support group, or receiving continuing care through private counseling.
In fact, ongoing recovery may involve one or more of the following:
- Ongoing therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Medication management, especially for opioid, alcohol, or tobacco use disorders
- Community involvement and peer support
- Building healthy coping mechanisms to deal with life stressors
- Reconnecting with loved ones in healthier, more meaningful ways
Doing so can result in an overall improvement of life, including:
- Increased self-esteem
- Decreased psychological distress
- Enhanced physical health
- Higher rates of employment
- Improved housing stability
How Do You Identify an Effective Treatment Facility?
Just like not all treatment programs are the same, not all treatment facilities are the same either. In fact, choosing the right facility can play a huge role in the success rate of treatment.
So, how do you go about choosing the right facility? Well, you may want to consider the following:
- Do they offer evidence-based practices?
- Do they provide individualized treatment plans?
- Is the staff licensed and trained?
- Do they offer a full continuum of care (ie, residential, outpatient, aftercare, etc)?
- Do they have a track record of success (testimonials)?
Just like if you were dealing with a standard medical condition, you would seek out a hospital or physician that specializes in that condition, the same goes for addiction rehab.
Learn More About Rehabilitation Success Rates at Focused Addiction Recovery
So, does rehab work? The evidence says yes, when done right. Rehab is not a magic cure, but it is a powerful first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Success may look different from person to person, but with the right treatment program and continued support, recovery is absolutely achievable.
At Focused Addiction Recovery, we understand that every person’s journey to recovery is unique, and so is the path to lasting success. Our treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, individualized care plans, and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ long-term well-being.
Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or a loved one, contact us today to learn more about how we can get you started on your recovery journey.