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While statistics on Drug Rehab Success vary depending on type of program, time spent in the program, and individual factors. Estimates indicate that 40-60% of individuals who participate in a drug rehab program stay sober after completing their program, estimates also indicate that 40-60% of people fail to stay sober and relapse. At the end of the day it seems to be about 50/50 success, however there are a few more factors to consider, such as lack of data, and different metrics for success. Lack of data comes from underreporting and the difficulties in following up with people after leaving programs. Different programs and people may define success differently, some people may look at complete abstinence from a substance as success while others may view reduced use a success, this spectrum of definitions can make it hard to put an exact number on success rates for addicts that enter a Rehab Program. It is however recognized that without rehab and professional help success rates in overcoming addiction drop dramatically, it is never too late to get help.
General Success rates for addicts after attending rehab can vary widely depending on what type of drug you have been using, how long you have been using it for, any previous existing conditions (physical or mental), type of treatment you decide to choose, and how long you work that program. Over all we see a trend of about 40-60% success in individuals that choose to enter a rehab program. Similar success rates are seen in other diseases that require behavioral change as part of treatment such as diabetes and heart disease. We do see success rates trend higher when programs exceed 90 days in initial treatment that also include specialized programs. These programs can include but are not limited to (CBT) cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, and (MAT) medication assisted treatment. We additionally see success rates trend higher when people incorporate a strong aftercare action plan. These action plans can include things like outpatient programs, continued counseling or therapy, AA and NA, or even group homes or sober living communities.
Relapse rates are similar to success rates in that they are affected by the same factors. The type of substance you are trying to get clean off directly affects these rates. You are more likely to struggle with relapse if you use opiates or methamphetamine due to the severe physical pain and discomfort you may feel during detox and the months following. This can be made worse if the person is suffering from a coexisting mental health issue at the same time. Relapse rates are estimated to be 40-60%, with an emphasis on rates trending down the less time spent in programs or programs that don’t offer specialized programs. After care also plays a huge role in relapse rates, we see a negative trend in people who do not implement a strong aftercare plan for leaving rehab.
There are many drawbacks to gathering any data, and statistics around rehab success rates are not any different. The major issues that are faced when trying to gather success rates post rehab are underreporting and tracking challenges. Tracking long term success in a rehab setting is hard because most patients do not stay in contact with the rehab centers hindering the collection of regular follow up data. Then there is the problem with underreporting when it comes to relapse. Many people do not report their relapses out of fear of judgment and shame, this is a good indicator that relapse rates might actually be higher than currently thought. Additionally some programs define success abstinence and others define it as any reduction in use. These varying definitions can add a layer of confusion when looking into “success” rates for a particular program. It's important to make sure you and your chosen program agree on what success looks like. One last important factor to keep in mind when it comes to success rates in rehab are individual circumstances, such as, financial status, family life, mental and physical health. These will dramatically influence your program options and ability to secure aftercare.
Often inpatient programs see a higher success rate when it comes to long term recovery, this is mostly thanks to inpatient programs control over the treatment environment and treatment plan. This level of control helps people deal with triggers and receive treatment in a much more intense atmosphere that focuses on accountability and learning. We generally see a rate of 50-70% success in individuals that choose to enter an inpatient program that meets their individual needs and follow up with a robust aftercare plan that usually includes some form of outpatient care or IOP. There are many types of inpatient programs that focus on a multitude of special needs and interests. Outpatient programs alone offer a lower general rate for long term success, usually ranging from 30-50%. This more negative trend for success can be attributed to the fact that even the strictest IOP or PHP still allows the individual to remain in the environment that they were in previously. Choosing just an outpatient program is not a guaranteed failure though, if that is what you believe is best for you make sure you also take time and apply yourself to changing your environment for the better.
Inpatient programs seem to have the highest rate of success at 50-70% when it comes to helping people remain sober for at least 12 months after treatment. We see these higher success rates with inpatient programs because of a few main factors. First with the controlled environment there is a major reduction in outside triggers or stressors, second the highly controlled structure of inpatient programs. Most Inpatient programs utilized specialized programs such as counseling, CBT or MAT. As with all programs the length of the program affects your chances of success, 90 day programs are where we see the highest rate of success. This success is increased with the addition of a robust aftercare plan. If you choose to enter into an outpatient program, group home or sober living situation you will greatly increase your chances of long term success.
Outpatient programs offer a lot of support to addicts seeking rehabilitation, there are 3 main types of programs that you will find, outpatient, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). IOP and PHP are more robust programs that require you to have a much higher level of accountability compared to traditional outpatient programs. IOP’s will require very rigorous schedules, and PHP’s offer a more clinical setting that helps encourage a positive recovery. Outpatient programs overall have a 30-50% success rate, with higher rates found the longer you work a program and the more involved the program is. Similar to inpatient programs, the length of your outpatient program, the type of program you choose, and individual factors affecting aftercare all play into the level of success you will see. Generally we see success rates trend higher with outpatient programs lasting 90 days or more, that include specialized programs like CBT and MAT, following 90 days or more of inpatient care, and that include an aftercare plan to help manage your recovery after.
Success in sobriety is often thought to mean your ability to remain abstinent from using any illicit or mind altering substances. Sobriety can mean so much more than just not doing drugs, success in sobriety largely involves major changes in all around health. Healthier habits forming, building healthier relationships, improving physical and mental health. Sobriety is often referred to as being a “journey”, this means you have many goals and destinations. In general sobriety can be looked at as “how you treat yourself” on your road to recovery. Small steps to encouraging a sober lifestyle include going to the gym, eating healthy, and spending time with people in your support network building relationships.
The length of time in which you are able to abstain from using illicit substances is the main factor in determining the success of your sobriety. The longer you remain sober there is a higher likelihood that you remain sober. Milestones are often used in measuring the length of sobriety, most notably are the chips used in alcoholics anonymous (AA). AA chips often are 1 day,1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and on. The more chips you gain the higher your success is with your sobriety. Habit building is a key factor, even more so is habit breaking. It takes 30 days of repeating a behavior for a habit to form, on the flip side it can take upwards of 90 days of abstaining from said habit to break it. Sobriety and recovery is a cycle of making new healthy habits and breaking old ones.
Quality of Life is a very good indicator of success in sobriety and recovery. Quality of life improvements demonstrate an individual's progress in taking accountability for themselves, rebuilding a healthy and fulfilling life beyond their addiction. Quality of life improvements can be many different things, often things like reconnecting with friends and loved ones, finding a new career or financial stability, improved mental health and healthy habits. Other times we see individuals begin to pursue an education, new hobbies, or even become more involved in their community. These types of Quality of Life improvements are great way for people to see real life benefits of sobriety, helping reinforce their choice to seek recovery.
One of the hardest challenges that someone faces is long term sobriety and overcoming triggers. Triggers are the influences on a person that result in a desire to abuse substances, these can include but are not limited to stress/anxiety, social situations or cues, and reminders of past trauma. Developing the strength to overcome your triggers requires you to learn and apply coping strategies. These strategies can include but are not limited to grounding techniques/ meditation, seeking support from a developed network of friends/ family/ mental health professionals, and practicing mindfulness. Just like physical strength, this resilience to overcome triggers does not get built over night. It takes time and practice to build the coping mechanisms required for long term success in recovery.
There are many factors that will affect your success in rehab, some of the more important factors to keep in mind as you begin your journey into sobriety are the type of program you choose and the level of aftercare you are able to obtain. It’s up to you to choose the right program for you, whether that means inpatient, outpatient, IOP, or even PHP. Make sure that you consider your specific needs when choosing, and remember you aren’t limited to just one option. Aftercare plans can be many things, often they include some form of group therapy or community engagement while attending some form of mental health support. AA or NA also play a huge role in almost every person in recovery.
A program's “Base” is the focus or spin of that program. Some of the more common bases you can find available are Christian, Couples, or Holistic. These bases, as long as they are provided by legitimate licensed rehab centers, take the recognized medical approach to drug rehabilitation and make them more specific to offer a more unique option that aligns with specific personal beliefs or views. This added level of personalization helps provide extra support to people who choose that route. Christian based rehab programs utilize additional faith centered treatments, bible study, prayer, and integrated spiritual guidance to aid in your recovery, helping to form a strong foundation for sobriety. Couples based rehabs will offer couples counseling, group couples therapy and one on one therapy in order to not only treat addiction but to also encourage a strong and healthy relationship with your partner as the foundation for long term success in recovery. Holistic based rehab programs use a focus in mind, body, and soul to help create the foundation needed for long term sobriety. Some of the more common activities and treatment we see added to these programs include yoga, meditation, sound healing, reiki, and often nutrition counseling. It's important to make sure your program fits your specific needs and addresses the route of your addiction.
Other than selecting the right program for yourself, making sure you spend the right amount of time in that program is up there as far as important goes. It is generally accepted that the time frame with the highest rate of success long term for any treatment program is 90 days. 90 days of continuous unbroken dedication is the threshold where we see success rates jump from 30-50% to 50-70% and higher. Again if you determine that a shorter time frame is right for you that does not mean you will not succeed it just means you must remain aware of the decisions you make and how they can affect your sobriety. Obviously if you choose to remain in a program longer than 90 days chances for success do go up. Along with the duration of treatment in your original program it can also mean a continuation into another program. The highest success rates in long term sobriety are often seen in individuals that attend inpatient programs for 90 days and include some form of Outpatient program in their aftercare plan. The more time you spend in a supportive structured environment the chances for long term success in recovery goes up dramatically.
After you complete a program or round of programs you then enter into your aftercare phase of your recovery. As you approach your exit from your program you will normally be offered support or services related to your aftercare plan. Aftercare plans reference the strategy you come up with to help increase odds of success, these plans often include group meetings or alumni systems such as AA or NA. These plans should also include a relapse prevention tool kit to help create an encouraging environment for recovery.
The most common known alumni systems are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Alumni systems offer a community of individuals that have dealt with what you have been through. This helps promote unity and builds an environment based in accountability and growth. AA and NA, like all alumni systems utilize a sponsor aspect that helps build support networks from the very beginning. These networks along with regular meetings and check-ins create accountability within the community. These structured and supportive environments help a lot in creating more successful outcomes in recovery.
Relapse Prevention Tool Kits are not a physical box of items but a system of strategies and practical resources, or “tools” that you use in your everyday life, or your “box”. These resources often include a range of personalized options, many of which stem from the base of your treatment program. That can be meditation, grounding techniques, prayer or bible study, counseling or specialized therapy. These tools can also be things like “plans of action” for specific situations that may come up, like running into old friends that still use. Your tool kit is your first line of defense when it comes to your sobriety.
While there are many ways to increase your chances when it comes to a successful recovery, there are a few recognized factors that should always be kept in mind.Some we have mentioned, like how long you attend a treatment program, what type of program, and how that program is focused are all very important. Other key factors are commitment to working your program, being honest with yourself and your team, and keeping an open mind. Keeping all of these in mind while navigating your recovery is very important for increasing your odds of a successful recovery.
It's important to participate fully once you begin your program, committing yourself 100% to working your program will be the best way of increasing your chances for long term success. One of the more difficult steps people find is fully engaging in therapy or counseling when they begin rehab. By participating in your therapy and counseling fully you will allow yourself to begin to recognize and heal underlying causes for your addiction. Another very important part of long term success in recovery is the building of connections. Forming connections helps build community, which is the base of a support network. Make sure you participate fully in group therapies and activities offered in your program, as these are going to be your best chance at forming connections early in your recovery.
Part of participating fully in your treatment is being honest with yourself and your recovery team. This means being open and honest with all counselors, therapists and staff who support you in your program. Being honest not only with your medical staff but with yourself will help allow you to address key issues in the cause of your addiction. Honesty with your support network and yourself is the beginning of accountability. When accountability is introduced into recovery true healing and healthy pattern forming can begin. So as you work your program and even when you transition into your aftercare program make sure that you remain honest with all therapists and counselors but more importantly yourself. If you can do this it will give you a much higher chance for long term success.
As you enter into a rehab program it is very important to keep an open mind in order to participate fully in your program. Many types of therapies and counseling can seem very strange or intimidating, and sometimes even silly. It’s important to trust the process and trust the medical professionals in charge of your program, the best way to achieve that is by remaining open minded. This openness will help allow you to receive feedback from your support team while remaining non defensive. Your ability to remain open minded will directly affect your progress when it comes to recovery. If you can remain mindful and open you will be able to engage with different viewpoints and expand your areas of understanding.
One of the many services offered by most rehabs is help making an action plan. This plan will begin the first day of your program and often last the rest of your life. Action plans are essential for achieving long term goals, as then help organize goals with practical tools to help you achieve them. Generally these plans will include an initial rehab program, alumni systems post treatment, therapy, and often group counseling. Plans can change but it's important to work with your support team when you feel changes should be made. Following your plan that has been specifically curated to your needs will greatly increase your chances for long term success in sobriety.
Whether you are in AA, NA or another alumni system it's important to remain active within your community. While you begin your recovery you should work on developing a relationship with your sponsor or mentor, they will be very important in helping you learn the ropes of sobriety in the early stages, as they have been there before. As you progress in your recovery, usually at least a few years but not always, you should consider becoming a sponsor or mentor yourself. This cycle of receiving and giving help is a major foundation of all alumni systems and only works in supporting its members if the members, including you, stay active, honest, and participate fully.
Once you have progressed far enough into your own recovery and it is appropriate you should consider helping others begin or continue their own journeys. This support, whether in an alumni system or other social and societal settings, is the foundation of the recovery community. Addicts are some of the best support for other addicts, allowing them to not feel alone and be able to share their story with others. This sense of community is vital for anyone's recovery. Now just like air masks on an airplane you should always put yours on first and make sure it is working properly, it's important to make sure that you focus on your own recovery first and foremost before dedicating time and resources towards anyone else’s recovery.
There are a few notable factors in your control when it comes to positively influencing your chances for a successful recovery and long term sobriety. First make sure you choose the proper program, with a proper base or focus, ensuring that your program has specialized offerings for your specific needs and situation. After determining what type of program with which base for treatment you need to pick the proper time frame for your program, 90 days is the most widely accepted time frame that gives a higher rate for long term success. Remaining open minded and dedicated to following your action plan and after care plan will grant you further success on your journey. Don’t forget to remain active in your alumni systems and recovery community, as this is the most easily accessible support network. Remember that everyone's journey to sobriety is their own, and hiccups and speed bumps do happen, be kind to yourself and utilize your support network in order to work your program the best you can. If you can do that you will find success in sobriety.
If you or a loved one is ready to start the journey to lasting recovery, North Palm Beach Recovery Centers is here to help every step of the way. With personalized treatment plans, a dedicated team of professionals, and comprehensive aftercare support, North Palm Beach Recovery Centers provides the tools and guidance needed for a successful, fulfilling recovery. Don’t wait to take the first step toward a brighter future—reach out to North Palm Beach Recovery Centers today to learn how we can support you on the path to lifelong sobriety.
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