Successful drug addiction treatment results evaluations have been showing that all treatment methods produce positive outcomes, regardless of the population of patients being treated, and at what ages and for what conditions these methods are most successful. A recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that a majority of people who use drugs do not require long-term drug rehabilitation or outpatient care, but rather can be kept off the drug or alcohol abuse altogether if they complete a detoxification program. The study also showed that one third of people with a serious alcohol problem will stop their addiction if they complete a detoxification program with an alcohol rehabilitation agency.
Most treatment programs that produce positive results also provide an outpatient recovery setting where patients can maintain self-care, while being closely supervised by their medical professional. Drug addiction treatment is an ongoing process and many patients must continue to undergo counseling, medication and support groups, on-going aftercare, education and training programs, etc. to keep their lives on track. Many patients need to stay in residential rehab for periods of weeks or months, or inpatient rehab for an extended period of time before they are able to return home. As stated above, the success of any drug addiction treatment program depends on individual characteristics of the patient, such as family history and mental health history, as well as their own personal strengths and weaknesses, and their willingness to change. It takes determination and a strong desire to stay sober to keep the cycle of drug abuse from turning into a lifelong battle with substance abuse.
In addition to residential rehabs, alcohol rehabilitation treatment centers and outpatient clinics offer an array of treatment programs that address different stages and phases of drug addiction. Many residential drug rehab centers, including inpatient treatment facilities, have many resources and assistance programs to aid patients with their drug and alcohol addiction.