If you have been considering getting help for your alcohol addiction you may be feeling very overwhelmed and you might also be wondering if these programs really work? This is a very appropriate question; particularly when you are making such a huge decision in your life. The reality is that every person has different experiences when recovering from alcohol; but research has shown us something very positive: People who receive appropriate treatment have much better outcomes than those who do not. Studies show that if a person completes a comprehensive alcohol abuse treatment program, their chance of recovery becomes 50-70% greater (depending on specific needs and commitment). Understanding the data associated with the success of alcohol treatment programs (for yourself or someone you love) will help give you the information you require to make a decision about taking that very important first step towards sobriety.
What Does “Success” Mean in Alcohol Treatment?
Success in alcohol treatment is not just about stopping drinking; it means developing long-lasting sobriety along with improvements in mental health and relational issues as well as quality of life. A good resource regarding this is research conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) which shows that an estimated 65% of individuals who complete treatment maintain abstinence or reduce their frequency of drinking within one year of completing the program. The good news is that these individuals tend to remain sober for many years after completing treatment.
Key Research Findings on Treatment Outcomes
According to a review of recent research, there are measurable outcomes from a structured treatment modality. Research published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment indicates that there are significant benefits associated with the completion of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment programs as follows:
- Better Relapse Prevention: Compared to those who attempt to self-treat, individuals who complete PHP/IOP programs have significantly fewer relapse incidents;
- Improved Mental Health: Reduced Symptoms of Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders (e.g., depression/anxiety) when treated at the same time as alcohol use disorder;
- Enhanced Social Functioning: Greater Improvement in Social Functioning (family relationships, stable employment, connections with friends);
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: Reduced Healthcare Costs (up to 40% reduction in emergency room visits/hospitalizations).
The Importance of Finding the Right Level of Care
Matching client needs with the correct level of care is critical to the success of their alcohol treatment program. An example of a program that offers an intensive, seven day a week full day treatment is Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP); while Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are ideal for those clients who have to balance going to alcohol recovery with being employed or having family obligations. Flexible outpatient treatment options allow for long-term maintenance after a primary treatment program has been completed. Many research studies show that individualized treatment plans provide a much higher level of success than generic treatment plans.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment and Success Rates
Dual diagnosis, which is defined as the presence of both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder, demands a comprehensive, integrated approach to treatment when it comes to treating the disorders. Research indicates that treating both disorders concurrently results in 20%-30% higher success rates than treating each disorder alone.
An untreated mental health disorder often leads to relapse, and therefore, this is extremely important.
The Role of Evidence-Based Therapies
Proven evidence-based therapy techniques (e.g., CBT) are effective in helping clients learn about their history and develop coping strategies for preventing relapse. Good CBT programs place an emphasis on working through trauma using EMDR techniques, developing a positive self-image through motivational interviewing, and learning new skills for using alcohol in a safe, healthy way.
Start Your Recovery Journey
When you seek treatment for alcohol abuse at an accredited alcohol treatment facility, your success rate goes up significantly. Revolution Recovery Centers in Florida and New Jersey offer individualized, trauma-focused alcohol and substance use disorder treatment options. There are various levels of care available- from PHP to IOP to Outpatient – including treatment plans for co-occurring mental health disorders. Our clinical staff utilizes evidence-based treatments to support you through long-term recovery so that you can regain control of your life. Call us today to check your insurance eligibility and start your journey.
FAQs
I think I might need help with drinking, but I’m not sure if it’s “bad enough” for treatment. How do I know?
Alcohol is a common issue for many people. If you have any concerns about how your drinking might affect relationships, work, mental health, money, or physical health, consider seeking help. You don’t have to be in a crisis to get help; getting help sooner makes it easier to recover. Most people who start treatment early experience a better outcome than those who start later. If you are thinking about this, it might be a good idea to talk to someone.
I’m really nervous about contacting a treatment center. What’s the first step?
Take a deep breath- you’ve made great progress by even considering treatment. The admissions process for many treatment centers is fairly simple. You have the option to reach out via phone, text, or even an online form. The admissions specialist will ask you a few basic questions about your situation (there are no “wrong” answers, just well-intentioned curiosity) and can frequently verify whether your health insurance will cover some or all of your treatment during that initial contact. This is simply the first step and is designed to provide you with additional information so that you can make an informed decision about what may be the best fit for you and how you want to move forward with treatment; however, you are still in control.
Will my family have to know I’m getting treatment?
Unless you wish for your medical information to be disclosed, your medical records will remain legally confidential and not shared without your consent. Several individuals share with their families about the support and non-judgmental support they will receive during their recovery; however, this decision is ultimately left to you. Later down the road, you may choose to include your family in marital/family therapy sessions (this can be very helpful to restore trust in families); however, we can discuss this once you have decided to involve your family in therapy.
Will I have to share my personal stuff in group therapy? I’m really private.
Group therapy may seem intimidating initially; however, here is what occurs in group therapy: You will be seated with approximately 6-8 other individuals who are all experiencing similar problems. There is no requirement to share your deepest, darkest secrets during your first session. Typically, new patients listen to others for the first week or so; it is not uncommon for new members to be surprised to find out that other group members are just as anxious about the same issues they are. New members may be further surprised to discover that hearing other people share their own experiences helps to alleviate feelings of being alone when dealing with their own situation; however, you will always have the option of how much information and detail you want to provide about yourself and your situation.