Many opinions surround the issue of drug addiction treatment, as some believe that recovery depends on a rehabilitation program while others feel that sobriety is best achieved through other means of treatment. At The River Source, this is one of the first questions we get from family members. And we can understand. For many families, drug addiction treatment is their last hope. Before they invest their time, emotions and financial resources into treatment, they want to be certain that it will work.
What the Statistics Say
When it comes to the rates of success for rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse, the lines become blurred. That’s because there are many different types of treatment, and some are more effective than others.
For instance, most experts agree that inpatient treatment is best. Three months is optimal, but many patients only stay in treatment for one month because of cost and work or family obligations. Other addicts get less treatment by attending outpatient treatment programs and community support groups. When we look at these forms of treatment in a general sense, we don’t get a clear picture of how successful each particular type of therapy is.
According to drugabuse.gov, approximately 40 to 60 percent of recovering addicts relapse after seeking addiction treatment. This may seem like a large number, but consider the rates of relapse for other chronic diseases. Patients with Type I Diabetes have a relapse rate of 30 to 50 percent and those with hypertension or asthma relapse 50 to 70 percent of the time. Still, these chronic conditions require medical intervention, and the same goes for suffering addicts.
Making Addiction Treatment Most Successful
What is more important is that we look at the components that make treatment most successful. To start with, each case is unique. Our River Source counselors never take two patients and compare their situations. Instead, we look at each patient in a unique way and form an individualized treatment plan that incorporates naturopathic medicine, wellness activities, journaling and counseling.
By creating these personalized treatment plans, we’re able to address the patient’s individual problems and maximize their chances for successful recovery. Residential treatment is always best since it removes the addict from their environment to avoid distraction. The River Source has two locations in Arizona, and we have patients that come from all over the country. Many of our patients are from out of state, and they enjoy the fresh start and ability to focus on their healing.
A Closer Look at The River Source’s Inpatient Program
To make treatment most successful at our facility, we incorporate a variety of treatment methods, including naturopathic medicine and detoxification. Our patients enjoy activities like swimming, hiking and meditation, and we also place an emphasis on journaling as a way to let out emotions and track progress. Our counselors provide individual, group and family counseling, and we make special arrangements for out-of-state family members. Patients are monitored daily, and we expect all residents to follow our code of conduct.
It’s this arrangement that enables our residents to get their lives back on track. They sort through their problems, address lingering issues from their past and hopefully resolve relationships with family members. With a focus on mental, spiritual and physical healing, our patients are able to grow in all ways. Before they are discharged from our facility, each patients leaves with a solid aftercare plan. It’s up to them and the support of their family to ensure that this aftercare plan is followed precisely.
The River Source Guarantee
There are many drug and alcohol rehab centers in Arizona, but at The River Source, we believe that patients need solid, intensive therapy. We are confident that this treatment Will work. That is why we have a very unique guarantee for our patients who stay for three months or complete our full continuum of care: If they relapse within one year from the date of discharge, they can come back to our facility and be admitted into an appropriate level of care, free of charge.
If you or a loved one has already been through some type of treatment and have relapsed, don’t give up hope. Although it’s common to look at relapse as a sign of weakness, it’s not. Consider those living with Type I Diabetes, hypertension or asthma; society doesn’t blame them for relapsing. However, the similarity between these chronic conditions, addiction included, is that there are many things that can be done to prevent relapse. If relapse does occur, it means that the treatment needs to be modified, adjusted or reinstated.
It’s also important to remember that addiction never really goes away. It’s always a work in progress, and recovered addicts may struggle with cravings throughout their life, especially in times of stress. That’s why it’s crucial that all patients released from treatment have a strong support network, a firm aftercare plan and a strict schedule that facilitates the life of sobriety.
