Unfortunately, relapse is common in recovery. The latest statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) show that rate of remission when dealing with drug addiction ranges between 40 and 60 percent. Due to this extensive problem, an ideology still featured in various substance treatment programs is that relapse is a natural part of the recovery process. Despite NIDA’s data, the underlying cause of relapse is actually preventable.
The root of relapse rates
When it comes down to the source of the issue, many individuals in need of recovery are not adequately educated about their own condition. Due to decades of perpetuated beliefs that were proposed without fully understanding the human brain, a wall of stigma has prevented new and evidence-based therapies from being utilized. As a result, many treatment systems still adhere to acute models of care and view substance abuse as episodic.
A large portion of treatment centers also utilize outdated treatment methods. In a 2015 statement from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, government officials stated that, “We have highly effective medications, when combined with other behavioral supports, that are the standard of care for the treatment of opiate addiction. And for a long time and what continues to this day is a lack of — a tremendous amount of misunderstanding about these drugs and particularly within our criminal justice system.”
Communicating the concept of addiction
In the 2013 book entitled, “Inside Rehab,” by Anne M. Fletcher, M.S., the science writer uncovered a number of hidden truths about modern-day rehabilitative programs. Fletcher wrote, “People with serious substance abuse disorders commonly require care for months or even years… The short-term fix mentality partially explains why so many people go back to their old habits.”
In order to boost recovery rates, the effective outcomes of using continuing care practices must be effectively publicized. For example, In a landmark study conducted in 2007, Michael L. Dennis, Ph.D., and a team of Chestnut Health System researchers observed the prevalence of relapse over an eight-year period of continued treatment. Dennis found that over time, the likelihood of maintained abstinence increased significantly:
- Between one to 12 months: 36 percent maintained sobriety
- Between one to three years: 66 percent maintained sobriety
- Between three to five years: 86 percent maintained sobriety
- From five years or more: 86 percent maintained sobriety
Overall, the research demonstrated that continual addiction treatment not only improved the chances of long-term and lifelong recovery, it also boosted specific areas of patient functioning. Those who received ongoing services reported improved physical health, mental health, coping responses, legal involvement, vocational involvement, housing, relationships, and spiritual support.
As one of California’s few certified residential facilities for providing primary mental healthcare, Avalon Malibu stands out from conventional treatment. Our luxury residential treatment programs offer a haven environment, nestling our two beautiful homes on a breathtaking estate above the iconic Malibu coastline. Call us today for information on our holistic approach to treatment and our full continuum of care options: 888-958-7511
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