When considering a facility for treatment, families want to know the facility’s success ratio. Will rehab work? What’s the success rate? This is a difficult metric, as “success” means something different to everyone.
If all the people who leave treatment are sober, is that a 100% success rate? There’s no specific milestone that defines success. Whether it’s 30 days, 6 months, or one year.
So, you see, some people follow a harm reduction model. That if a person drinks less or gives up certain dangerous substances, that is success already.
Success in Recovery Depends on the Individual
There is no industry standard for measuring success. Each family member has their own definition of what success looks like, this includes the person of concern.
When families ask to know the success rate of a facility, they ask me, “Will this work? Is it worth the investment?”
The truth is that each individual has their own path as it relates to recovery. I’ve seen people check in to state-run facilities. It was successful, and they entered into long-term recovery.
I’ve also seen others who opted for facilities with a higher price tag and later relapsed.
I know this ambiguity lacks the comfort families desire when they ask for statistics. However, it’s the truest answer I can give. One thing I can offer is that treatment is one necessary piece of a larger puzzle.
People who attain greater levels of success are the ones who continue their work after they leave through IOP. They continue with 12-step meetings, and building a sober community for themselves.
The idea that people go into rehab for 30 days and magically come out fixed, isn’t entirely a reality. When a person enters our facility, they don’t recover through osmosis. Therefore, patients who enter into treatment with this idea are at loss. Because they won’t benefit the way those who truly connect with the process do.
The people here who attend every meeting, engage in therapy, make coffee, do homework, and plan for aftercare are unique. They are the ones who leave and successfully immerse themselves in the next part of their journey. Apparently, people get out what they put in.
Recovery Isn’t A Straight Line
Not all paths of recovery are linear. A relapse after a 30 day program is not termed a failure. It’s a part of recovery. A relapse can indicate that treatment needs to be adjusted or reinstated. It helps the individual to understand that they really do want recovery.
As with treating any illness, if symptoms reoccur, treatment is not deemed a failure. Thus, it’s simply adjusted to better treat the individual.
At Adam Banks Recovery, we immediately begin talking about treatment and aftercare. So, a plan has to be in place for a safe return to home.
This plan also covers a continuation of the foundation that was started in a facility. 30 days in a facility is just the beginning. Hence, if someone is open to engaging in the process and works hard, they will be successful.
About Adam Banks
Adam Banks is a certified interventionist and the owner of Adam Banks Recovery. After receiving an MBA from the University of Chicago, Adam built a company acquired by United Health Care. His discipline and attention to detail comes from his former career as an airline pilot, holding an ATP, the FAA’s highest license.
Today, Adam is dedicated to helping others achieve long-term sobriety. His work has guided executives, pilots, and physicians on paths to recovery. Adam brings families together through a loving and inclusive approach.
Adam has authored four books on addiction. His recent work, Navigating Recovery Ground School: 12 Lessons to Help Families Navigate Recovery, educates families on the entire intervention process. He also offers a free video course for families considering an intervention for a loved one.
Adam is available for alcohol and drug intervention services in New York, Long Island, the Hamptons as well as nationally and internationally.
