Rehab can be the beginning of a new and beautiful chapter of life. If you’ve grappled for years with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, a rehab treatment may be exactly what you need. Rehab facilities are designed to help you lay a foundation for a real and lasting recovery, teaching you new coping skills for navigating the challenges of daily life in sobriety.
It’s important to keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all path of recovery, and definitions of what a “successful” recovery looks like may vary based on the individuals, communities, and treatment models involved. One clear and straightforward way to define success is that the participant gets sober and doesn’t relapse. But relapse is only part of the equation – indeed, success can encompass a range of holistic health indicators. For some, recovery is more a matter of harm reduction than complete abstinence. In this article, we’ll examine rehab success rates and teach you everything you need to know about charting your own path to recovery.
How Is the Relapse Success Rate Measured?
The relapse success rate is measured by tracking the number of participants in a given rehab who maintain sobriety over a specific period of time. When looking at the success rate of a given rehab, you should keep in mind that the numbers may vary based on the criteria used, including:
- Duration of sobriety: Success can be measured based on those participants who achieve one full year of sobriety, or it can be measured along different time frames. It all depends on the individuals involved.
- Type of program: Rates can vary based on whether the participant participated in inpatient, outpatient, or some kind of at-home treatment model.
- Frequency: Relapse isn’t a sign of failure. For some, it’s just part of recovery, or a sign of the need for an adjustment to the treatment plan or approach.
Why Do Relapse Success Rates Vary?
There are many reasons that relapse success rates vary. Some of the most important reasons include: the severity of addiction, the type and quality of care received, the level of support post-treatment, and whether the participant participates in a community of recovery. That said, differences in success rates can also be due to differences in how success is defined.
What Factors Affect the Rehab Success Rate?
The success rate of a given rehab depends on a range of factors, including individual factors, treatment factors, social factors, and environmental factors.
Individual
While the quality of care you receive in treatment matters a great deal, your success will also rely on some factors particular to you and your needs. Your level of personal motivation, for example, matters a great deal. “It works if you work it” is a common recovery slogan for a reason–the effort you put in can make a big difference.
Your personal mental health history is also an important factor. Co-occurring mental health disorders can complicate recovery, but are manageable with the right treatment. Finding a treatment approach that is tailored to your specific needs will go a long way.
Your support network – including family and friends who are supportive of your recovery, or fellow members of a recovery community – also play a big role in determining your success in recovery.
Treatment
The quality of the treatment you receive is vitally important. Furthermore, you’ll likely see more success within a program that has a high degree of customization – in other words, a program that can help you address your specific needs. Then there’s the question of duration: a longer-term rehab stay can often lead to better outcomes, since you’re given more time to live free of substances and to lay a firmer foundation.
Social
Social factors – including your level of community support and the level of stigma you encounter – play an important role in whether a rehab will work for you. If you leave rehab and return to a social context in which you’re safe and supported, your likelihood of success will increase exponentially.
Environment
Environmental factors are also hugely important. Stable housing and a substance-free environment to return to will greatly increase your odds of success. Similarly, your access to important resources – such as healthcare, counseling, and economic opportunities – will give you a better chance of successfully re-integrating after a rehab stay.
What Are Average Relapse Success Rates?
Having explored the range of factors that can affect rehab success, now let’s look at the average success rates of different types of rehabs.
What Is the Success Rate of Drug Rehab?
The success rate for drug rehab can be anywhere between 40% to 60%, although it may vary depending on the drug in question and the type of treatment involved. Success rates are improved by learning relapse prevention strategies and participation in recovery communities, including 12-Step fellowships.
What Is the Success Rate of Alcohol Rehab?
The success rate for alcohol rehab varies as well from 25% to 60%. This is affected by a range of like the duration of treatment, aftercare programs, and family support. Participation in peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous also contributes significantly to successful recovery.
What Is the Success Rate of Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab tends to have a higher success rate than outpatient rehab because participants in inpatient have the opportunity to stay sober in a structured environment with round-the-clock support. That said, the rates can vary based on the type of drug used and the type of treatment involved. Longer stays tend to yield better outcomes.
What Is the Success Rate of Outpatient Rehab?
Because outpatient rehab is a less immersive rehab experience than inpatient rehab, success rates can vary, or even be measured along longer time frames.
What Is the Success Rate of In-Home Addiction Treatment?
In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT), such as that offered by Aware Recovery Cate, has been shown to be very successful in treating addiction. Aware’s program offers you the ability to stay home and receive care that is personalized and tailored to your particular needs. Whether you suffer from alcohol addiction, opioid addiction, or addiction to other substances, the IHAT model can work for you.
Aware’s IHAT model boasts a 78% recovery rate and a completion rate 2.5 times higher than that of traditional rehab. To date, more than 10,000 people have been treated using this program – a program that provides convenience, privacy, and flexibility. With Aware, you don’t have to put life on hold for treatment.
How Do You Improve Outcomes?
So, now that you know about the different rehab success rates, what can you do to help ensure your own success?
Choose the Right Program
Choosing the right program for you is a crucial step. Talk to a professional about finding a program that aligns with your needs, the severity of your addiction, and your personal preferences. Be sure to take into account such factors as program type, duration, and whether the therapies offered are evidence-based.
Aftercare and continued therapy
Another way to increase your likelihood of success is to remember that your recovery doesn’t end with your rehab treatment. Ongoing support is essential. Find support groups, including 12-Step fellowships, and get involved in a recovery community. If you can afford it, engage in regular therapy. Aftercare plans are crucial for helping you address triggers and figure out strategies for managing stress.
Build a support system
While it’s easier said than done, building a support system will be critically important for ensuring your success. Recovery is not a journey to take alone. Find people who will be there for you throughout your recovery–including those who have faced similar struggles.
How Do You Find a Rehab Program?
To get started on your recovery journey, explore Aware’s In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT) program. This innovative approach allows you to receive personalized care in the comfort of your home. Reach out to us to talk to a professional about whether the IHAT program is right for you. Start your treatment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.