Does rehab work? This is commonly asked by those considering rehab for alcohol or drug misuse, and by their families. The answer is yes, addiction is treatable. What about relapse? Read on to learn more.
Understanding the Effectiveness of Rehab
Methods and therapies to treat substance use are constantly evolving. Research-based approaches exist to help people stop using drugs and alcohol and resume productive lives in recovery. While there is no cure, they can manage their condition. This is just as people with diabetes, asthma or heart disease do.
What Does Relapse Refer To?
Relapse is a return to substance use after an attempt to stop. The chronic nature of drug addiction means that for some relapse can be part of the recovery process. Relapse doesn’t refer to the occasional slip-up. Nor does it mean treatment has failed. It’s a normal part of recovery for most. But it does mean the person needs to speak with their doctor or therapist to resume treatment, modify it or try another treatment.
However, for some drugs relapse can be very dangerous and even deadly. This is especially so for opioids, including prescription painkillers and heroin. If a person uses the same amount of the drug as before quitting, it’s easy to overdose. This is because their bodies are no longer adapted to their previous level of drug exposure. In other words, they don’t have the same level of tolerance as before.
How Many People Relapse After Completing Rehab?
One of the key success factors is time in treatment. Those staying 90 days relapse less than those staying 30 days. In addition, participating actively in a good aftercare/alumni program and support groups is a key factor in avoiding relapse.
Relapse rates for drug use are similar to those for other chronic medical illnesses, as shown in this table from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) [A].
| Condition | Amount of Relapse |
| Substance Use Disorder | 40-60% |
| Hypertension | 50-70% |
| Asthma | 50-70% |
This table shows rates for individual drugs within the stated times following treatment:
| Drug | Rate of Relapse | Notes |
| Alcohol | 80% within 1 year 60% after 2 years 15% after 5 years | |
| Heroin and Opioids | 60% within 1 week 80% within 1 year 39% after 3.5 years | With MAT (Medically-assisted treatment) |
| Cocaine | 21% after 1 year 25% after 5 years | |
| Methamphetamines | 61% after 1 year 74% after 3 years 73% after 5 years | Withdrawal and avoidance of relapse is harder with Meth than most other drugs |
What Does Treatment Success Look Like?
Success in addictions treatment depends greatly on the individual. Recovery is positive, achievable and sustainable. One study of life in recovery showed that the majority of participants defined recovery as [B]:
- Abstinence
- Improved health
- Improved social connections and functioning
- Higher quality of life
In addition, there are other aspects such as:
- Improved employability
- Improved mental health
- Reduced criminal activity
People use many different pathways in their recovery journey including:
- Professional treatment services
- Informal supports
- Mutual support groups such as AA and Narcotics Anonymous
Many experience challenges and barriers starting the recovery journey, including:
- Difficulty finding services and accessing them
- Financial barriers for treatment
- Stigma and discrimination
Fewer people encountered issues sustaining recovery. However, if people stop following their treatment plan, it’s very likely they will relapse.
How to Know if I Need Rehab or Detox?
If you are experiencing the negative results of substance abuse and are ready to make a change, then both detox and rehab may be for you. Typically both are recommended, beginning with detox.
Successful Rehab in Los Angeles, CA
At the Encino Recovery and Detox Center in Los Angeles we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life.
We provide medically supervised detox. After detoxing, you may enter our residential treatment center. Trained staff are equipped to offer clinical care. They will provide the support, guidance and interventions necessary for you to reach your treatment goals. Participating in residential care greatly enhances your success rate at avoiding relapses.
Typical therapy approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- 12-Step Program
- Somatic Experiencing and Body Work
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Exposure therapy
Safe Recovery in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team at The Encino now.
Sources
[A] NIDA. 2023, September 25. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. Treatment and Recovery.
[B] Canadian Center on Substance Abuse and Addiction. 2017. Life in Recovery from Addiction in Canada.
