New research shows people DO recover from addiction and go on to do great things!

When you hear news of addiction – increasing rates of substance use, record numbers of overdose deaths, and powerful drugs like rainbow fentanyl – it tends to be depressing and disheartening. Relapse rates are between 40 and 60 percent, and we’re now more likely to die from a drug overdose than a car accident. It seems that drug addiction is a death sentence. 

However, the future isn’t quite this bleak. Statistics aren’t always put into context, and this can make it difficult to see the bigger picture. For instance, many people relapse after attempting to recover from addiction, but they can still achieve sobriety. This is similar to other ingrained habits, like smoking or biting your nails. Most people do not succeed on their first try. But with hard work and healthy habits, they eventually get there. 

A Deeper Look at a Landmark Study. Yes, People Do Recover. 

According to a recent, one-of-its-kind study, 75 percent of people seeking recovery from a substance use disorder reached their goal, though it might have taken them several attempts to get there. How many, exactly? The average number of attempts is five, and the median number is just two. 

This means many people can recover from addiction after a few attempts. Those with serious mental health disorders and severe addictions often inflate numbers. These individuals tend to need five or more attempts before they can reach their goals.

Here are some additional takeaways from the study: 

• 22.3 million Americans have overcome a drug or alcohol problem. About half considered themselves in recovery. 
• People who recover from a drug or alcohol problem show significant improvements in quality of life and a decrease in psychological distress. This demonstrates that life gets better in recovery. 
• 80 percent of people in recovery achieved at least one major achievement associated with self-improvement and family engagement, such as getting a new job or earning a degree. 
• The more years a person is in recovery, the more achievements they make. This is because recovery is a reciprocal process. More recovery leads to better outcomes, which supports continuous recovery. 
• Getting into recovery young is associated with better outcomes and quality of life. 

Of course, addiction is not without consequence. The study found that those who resolved a drug or alcohol problem were worse off than the general population in terms of health and employment. However, it’s possible that these individuals had more healing to do and eventually meet their goals.  

Are You Ready to Break Free from Addiction? We Can Help. 

Ultimately, this study showed that the statistics we rely so heavily on do not match the stigma and pessimism surrounding substance use disorders. People can and do recover, and they do great things with their lives. And there is no reason why the same can’t be for you or your loved one. 

Awakenings Treatment Center is a holistic outpatient facility that treats substance use and mental health disorders. We see great things from our clients! Some people can reach their goals after one or two attempts, while others need more time. Either way, we are here for our clients with continued support. 

Get in touch with our admissions department to learn more about our treatment services and why they lead to real results!