What Is The Recovery Rate For Addiction?

Millions of Americans, including teens and adults in the U.S., have a drug or alcohol addiction. Yet just a small minority, less than 10 percent, report receiving any substance abuse treatment.

A common question asked by those affected by addiction is: What is the actual success rate of addiction treatment? How many people recover from addiction?

What Is The Success Rate For Addiction Recovery?

A study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that 3 out of 4 people who experience substance use disorder eventually recover.

That study, published in 2020, found that more than 1 in 10 U.S. adults reported ever having a substance abuse problem. Of those, nearly 75 percent reported being in recovery.

What Is The Relapse Rate With Addiction?

According to the NIDA, recovery rates for people with substance use disorder are about the same as for common chronic medical illnesses.

Federal data shows that an estimated 40 to 60 percent of people with substance use disorder (SUD) who receive addiction treatment experience relapse at some point in their recovery.

Substance use disorder is the clinical term for “addiction” or drug or alcohol abuse.

According to NIDA, this relapse rate is similar to that of other chronic diseases, like hypertension and asthma — both of which have a relapse rate of 50 to 70 percent. 

Does Relapse Mean That Addiction Treatment Has Failed?

Not at all. Here at Bedrock Recovery Center, our treatment professionals understand that recovering from addiction is a journey, and that relapse can be a normal part of recovery.

Relapse is especially common within the first year of recovery, as you’re learning how to navigate everyday life without engaging in harmful drug or alcohol use behaviors.

Examples of what addiction relapse might look like:

• returning to alcohol after a period of abstinence
• using a former drug of abuse (e.g. opioids, cocaine, meth, marijuana)
• misusing medication prescribed as part of your treatment plan 

Relapse can occur even if you’ve received world-class, evidence-based treatment. A number of factors, not just the quality or type of treatment you receive, can influence a drug relapse.

What Can Boost Your Chance Of Maintaining Long-Term Recovery?

Relapse isn’t uncommon, but it’s also not inevitable. There are a number of strategies shown to help reduce relapse risk and increase your chance of achieving and maintaining recovery.

What can help prevent relapse in recovery:

Access To Evidence-Based Treatment

Evidence-based treatments are treatment services that are proven to help promote recovery in people with certain medical, mental health, and/or substance use disorders. 

Common treatments shown to be effective for drug and alcohol addiction include:

• medically supervised detoxification (detox)
• behavioral therapy (e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy)
• medication-assisted treatment (for opioid use disorder and alcoholism)
• substance abuse group therapy
• peer support groups (e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous)
• dual diagnosis care (for co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions)

Research shows that having access to data-driven treatment services from qualified treatment providers in drug rehab can be important for relapse prevention.

These treatments can help to promote supportive coping skills, reduce drug cravings, and address other common triggers that can lead to relapse.

A Strong Social Support System

Access to basic needs, like housing, adequate food, and a strong social support system can be critical components of a person’s addiction treatment and recovery plan. 

Friends, family members, and other peers in recovery can be a useful source of support as you navigate the early stages of the recovery process and face challenges head-on.

Treatment Retention

One common predictor of relapse is leaving treatment or ending your treatment too soon.

Staying in treatment for the recommended period can be important for skill-learning, medical stabilization, and helping you learn coping skills to deal with triggers in recovery.

What Are The Best Treatment Programs For Addiction Recovery?

The most suitable treatment program for a person experiencing addiction will depend on the severity of their addiction and other personal needs related to their health status and diagnosis.

For severe or chronic addiction, an inpatient treatment program (also known as residential rehab) may be recommended for around-the-clock, intensive healthcare services and support.

For those with a mild substance abuse problem, or someone who has experienced a lapse, an outpatient treatment program, or outpatient services (e.g. counseling) may be recommended.

From our Bedrock Recovery Center treatment location, we offer:

• residential treatment programs
• alcohol and drug detox programs
• medication-assisted treatment programs
• dual diagnosis programs

Find Long-Term Recovery At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is looking for quality drug addiction treatment in Massachusetts, look no further than our leading behavioral health treatment center, Bedrock Recovery Center. 

Our treatment professionals have experience treating various addictions, including heroin addiction, prescription drug addiction, and heavy alcohol use. We also offer aftercare.

Recovery is possible. Call our helpline today to learn more about Bedrock’s treatment options.