Drug & Alcohol Rehab Success Rates: Does Rehab Really Work?
Recovering from addiction may, at times, feel overwhelming and even impossible. Fortunately, it is possible to succeed at abstaining from drug and alcohol use with the right treatment.
This page will share some statistics on drug and alcohol rehab effectiveness, characteristics of treatment that works, relapse trends among people who have sought treatment, tips for preventing relapse, and how you or someone you know can seek treatment and start recovering today.
How Effective is Drug & Alcohol Rehab?
Often due to underreporting, statistics related to drug and alcohol rehab do not always accurately reflect true rates of success. While statistics do exist, it is important to take them with a grain of salt and an understanding that they may not be fully representative of the success among this population.
However, what we do know is that those working in the field of addiction treatment and recovery usually strive to do their best in helping others get sober and stay that way. One of the ways professionals can ensure they are providing lasting care is by following The Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment, a set of guidelines published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) that facilities can follow to continually increase the rate of success among those in treatment and recovery.1
Some of these principles include the understanding that:1
- No single treatment is appropriate for everyone.
- Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse.
- Remaining in treatment for an adequate period is critical.
- Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies.
- Medically-assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment, and by itself does little to change long-term drug abuse.
Research has shown that implementing these principles in treatment facilities can better increase long-term successful outcomes for those in recovery.1
Drug Rehab Success Statistics
Of the 30.5 million adults 18 and older in 2023 who perceived themselves to have had a substance use problem, approximately 22.2 of them considered themselves to be in recovery.2
One study that offered a more detailed snapshot into drug rehab success rates was conducted in 2019 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It focused on the outcomes of 1.8 million people ages 12 and older who attended rehab in the U.S., District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.3 The study determined findings among this group that included the following:3
- Opiates (30%), stimulants (12%), marijuana/hashish (11%), and cocaine (6%) were among the most frequently reported primary substances people sought to treat.
- 24% of admissions were for primary heroin use.
- Admissions for primary use of opiates other than heroin was 7%.
- 11% of admissions for treatment were from primary marijuana/hashish use.
- Up to 6% of admissions were for primary cocaine use.
- Admissions for primary methamphetamine/amphetamine was 12%.
Among the people who entered treatment for drugs of misuse like the ones mentioned above, 42% were discharged as a result of successfully completed treatment, while another 22% were transferred to another treatment facility to continue treatment.3
Alcohol Rehab Success Statistics
The same DHHS study above also revealed statistics related to alcohol rehab admissions and discharges, including:3
- Alcohol was the most frequently reported primary substance (31%) that people sought to treat.
- The average age for admission for alcohol treatment was 43 years old.
- 18% of admissions received rehabilitation/residential treatment for alcohol.
National surveys on alcohol use disorder (AUD) report that only a third of those with alcohol addiction have tried to quit drinking each year.4 Of those who have attempted to quit, 25% were reported to be successful in reducing their consumption of alcohol for more than one year.4
How Many People Relapse After Rehab?
Like other chronic illnesses, addiction is a relapsing disease, so returning to drug use is a possibility.1 Fortunately, research shows that the relapse rate of substance use disorders (SUD) is lower than that of other chronic illnesses like hypertension and asthma.5
A relapse is an indication to speak to a healthcare professional or a member of your treatment team right away to address the relapse.5 By reaching out for support, you can get the additional care you need to get back on track.
Relapse Statistics After Going to Rehab
Being that addiction is a “chronically relapsing” disease, it is reported that more than 50% of people who enter treatment for substance use fail to complete it, and 58% of people who enter addiction treatment have tried treatment at least one time prior.6
After treatment, statistics show that more than 50% of people relapse on drugs or alcohol within the first 90 days post-treatment.6 The biggest challenges to successful treatment and sustained recovery after treatment are often a lack of incentives, negative experiences that drive people back to using, and difficulty functioning without the perceived need for drugs and alcohol.6
Relapse Prevention Success Rates
Relapse prevention is why most people seek treatment; they have tried quitting on their own and have returned to using drugs or alcohol, and are seeking guidance and support to keep them from using again.7 Relapse prevention can help people recognize the reasons behind relapse and avoid the pitfalls that have led them back to using in the past.
Some of the reasons people relapse are:7
- They stop attending treatment and self-help meetings.
- They stop engaging in self-care.
- They believe they won’t learn anything new in treatment.
- They become embarrassed about still having cravings to use.
- They stop reaching out for help.
- They believe they should know how to handle recovery on their own.
It is important for people in early recovery to recognize addiction’s relapsing nature and stay connected to the support system that helped them recover in the first place. Staying involved in substance use programs and self-help groups is one of the most effective ways to prevent future relapse.7
Relapse prevention is essential to sustained addiction recovery because it helps people understand the stages of relapse, why it happens, and how to avoid it.8 Proper relapse prevention involves therapy, medications, monitoring, peer support, and evidence-based interventions.8
How to Increase Success Rates of Rehab
There are things a person in recovery can do to increase success after rehab. Some of the many things you can do to achieve this success can include:8
- Strive to identify and modify negative thinking patterns
- Avoid spending time with people who are still using or who remind you of your use
- Avoid places and things that are triggers to use
- Talk to someone when you are having cravings or urges to use again
- Develop strong coping skills, such as through treatment, outpatient therapy, or in support groups.
- Remember to accept help if you need it
Ensuring that you are receiving the proper level of care is also vital in increasing your success rate in rehab. Levels of care for addiction treatment include:
- Medical detox
- Partial hospitalization rehab programs
- Intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs
- Outpatient addiction treatment programs
Additional supports, such as sober living and aftercare plans can help bolster what you have learned in recovery, encouraging your continued success.
How to Help Someone Struggling With Addiction
There are ways you can help someone who is struggling with addiction without enabling them or impeding their recovery. Some actions you can take can include:
- Being aware of what the signs and symptoms of addiction are.
- Refusing to provide your loved one with money, transportation, or any other means needed to obtain or use drugs or alcohol.
- Setting boundaries to protect your peace and holding firm to them.
- Encouraging your loved one to seek treatment, or offering to find available programs for them.
- Remaining supportive and kind, and continually offering to help them take action, such as helping them find child care, offering to help them with insurance or payment plans, etc.
Most importantly, remember to take care of yourself this time. This may include attending local support groups like Al-Anon, seeing a therapist, or making time for the things you enjoy. You cannot help someone else unless you are stable in your own life.
Start Your Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, know that recovery is possible. Contact us right now at and speak with one of our kind admissions navigators who can help you get on the right track. All calls are confidential, free, and are of no-obligation.
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