Understanding Drug and Alcohol Rehab Statistics and Success Rates

Substance abuse statistics and demographics generally appear in one of two categories. Some pertain to rates of use, while others pertain to rates of recovery. Generally speaking, one will find rates of use far more easily than rates of recovery. One problem with finding accurate drug and alcohol rehab statistics and success rates is that most information comes from surveys, and can only reflect the information that participants are willing to divulge.

The most authoritative source for most addiction statistics is the National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health. By looking at the most recent survey, the 2016 NSDUH, we can glean some of the most accurate information available on how many users require treatment in comparison with how many are actually receiving it.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Statistics

In 2016, approximately 20.1 million people aged 12 or over suffered from substance use disorder. This includes 15.1 million alcoholics and 7.4 million drug addicts, with more than 2 million falling into both categories. Those aged 12-17 use at the lowest rates, although there are notably 300,000 more adolescent drug users than adolescent drinkers. In every group, those aged 18 to 25 suffer from chemical dependency at the highest rates. About 10.7% of young adults abuse alcohol, while 7% are dependent on illicit drugs.

Only 3.8 million of those suffering from substance use disorder among all age groups received the help they needed in 2016. Even then, not all received this treatment from drug and alcohol rehab. Discounting jails, doctor’s offices and 12-step groups, only 2.2 million received treatment. This equates to 10.6% of all those in need.

When considering those in need of treatment for co-occurring disorders, the numbers fall further. Only about 6.9% of adults with diagnosed mental illnesses received integrative services to address both their substance use and their co-occurring disorders. This does not account for those who may suffer from co-occurring mental illness that remains undiagnosed. By these estimates, at least 93.1% of disordered substance users remain either entirely untreated or partially treated in a manner that leaves them at high risk of relapse.

Find more detailed information on drug and alcohol rehab statistics here.

Drug and Alcohol Recovery Questions

Newcomers to the treatment process may pose any number of vital drug and alcohol recovery questions. All of these questions deserve detailed answers, although three particular questions present themselves a bit more often than others.

First, many wonder how to know if they truly need treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab facility. There are a few ways to assess this. If substance use has become a significant aspect of your life, to the point that you cannot picture life without it, this is a problem. Withdrawals, physical health defects and legal issues also constitute major red flags. More than anything, trust your intuition. If you find yourself considering whether you require addiction treatment, you probably have a sense of the answer already.

Second, some wish to know what happens during inpatient drug and alcohol rehab. The short answer is that clients will learn through therapy, education, support groups and other practices what it means to stay sober. They will learn what caused their addiction and how to prevent relapse when triggers arise. Treatment will not cure them of all cravings or thoughts of using, but it will prepare them to deal with these thoughts in a healthier way.

Finally, many wish to know whether treatment will work for them. There is no easy answer, as the outcome ultimately rests in the hands of the individual. However, facilities such as Amethyst Recovery can improve these outcomes through integrative care and follow-up support. Participation in our alumni program will greatly improve the odds of success by allowing newly sober clients to maintain contact with those who helped them begin their journey.

Receive more detailed answers to these drug and alcohol recovery questions here.

Drug Rehab Center Success Rates

Locating detailed information on drug and alcohol rehab success rates can prove difficult. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, anywhere from 40% to 60% of recovering substance abusers will avoid relapse. Outside of these numbers, which present a fairly wide margin of error, few facts and figures exist. Many recovery advocates support further research into drug rehab center success rates, particularly research that might help provide insight into the most effective treatment methods. As of now, however, most statistics focus largely on the problem rather than the solution.

Setting aside the lack of hard data, however, some research may be considered noteworthy. For instance, a 2017 research article notes that 9.1% of the adult population in America has overcome previous battles with substance use. About 46% of these describe themselves as “in recovery” while others consider their issues fully resolved. Roughly half of those who previously battled substance use disorder overcame their struggles with the help of outside assistance such as support groups and treatment facilities. There remains a need for more quantitative data, but the cases of successful treatment alluded to by the currently available numbers should instill hope for those seeking treatment to resolve their chemical dependency issues.

A closer examination of drug and alcohol rehab success rates can be found here.

Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Work?

Addiction treatment provides a number of valuable services. Clients learn to identify triggers and formulate a relapse prevention plan. They identify the root causes of their addiction, including past traumas or co-occurring disorders that might cause continued struggles if not addressed early in recovery. Integrative programs such as Amethyst Recovery will also provide access to various holistic treatment methods that can teach patients healthier ways of achieving calm and relaxation without resorting to drugs and alcohol.

Each of these services will benefit those who seek recovery, but each patient must still learn to apply these lessons individually. If the patient learns more about their addiction and how to stay sober, drug and alcohol rehab has worked. If a former patient relapses but quickly applies what they’ve learned in order to get themselves back on the right track, addiction treatment has worked. Every individual who goes through treatment will need to use different lessons at different times. If they need further assistance beyond what they received in our care, we will do our best to offer it. Everyone must take change of their own recovery in the end, but rehab programs such as Amethyst ensure they will not have to do it alone.

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Finding the Best Drug Rehabilitation Center for You

Choosing the right drug and alcohol rehab to suit your needs can feel like an overwhelming task. This is especially true in the case of those who have never gone through treatment before and may not know much about the process. However, some of the information provided above can prove useful in making the right decision.

For instance, understanding the role each patient plays in their own treatment should help underscore the importance of finding a treatment center that offers services you may enjoy. Naturally, not every step of the treatment process will be enjoyable. Therapy will sometimes prove emotionally trying; however, supplemental services such as meditation and fitness can lighten the load by providing activities that facilitate the healing process while also providing a bit of relaxation and enjoyment.

Aside from the services offered, look for objective qualifications as well. These include staff credentials, such as fully licensed therapists and Certified Addiction Professionals. Joint Commission accreditation, as well as professional recognition from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, will also go a long way toward indicating that you can trust the services being offered.

More than anything, finding the best drug and alcohol rehab for you will come down to your own willingness to ask questions. If you’d like to know more about addiction treatment in general or the services offered by Amethyst Recovery, you can contact us at any time to have your questions answered. Asking for help is no mean feat. It marks the first step in a difficult yet highly rewarding journey. We’re here to support you in putting that first foot forward toward a better way of life.

For more information about choosing the right treatment facility, check out our blog on this subject.