A new study published in the Open Journal of Psychiatry titled “Addiction Treatment Aftercare Outcome Study” (https://www.scirp.org/Journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=73388) determined that the longer a patient is engaged in addiction treatment for alcohol or drugs, the better the success of the patient for sustainable recovery.

Detailed in an article published by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), this study further offers evidence to the belief that longer term treatment equates to better overall addiction recovery and quality of life results. While there is certainly a need for the traditional 28 and 30 day treatment programs, it is wildly understand within the field of addiction treatment that such an acute treatment model offers much in the form of detox, stabilization and primary treatment but does not address the overall needs of patient’s suffering from a chronic, progressive disease like addiction. Rather, these traditional models need to be the FIRST STEP in a long-term continuum of care that offers patients long-term clinical treatment, specialized services, life-skills coaching, family work and a transition from a residential setting into a more “in life” treatment approach.

The study demonstrated that patients engaging in 28 or 30-day treatment programs, what has typically been recognized by society as industry standard treatment for addiction, exhibited a 54.7% treatment success rate after one year post-treatment. However, for those patients that engaged in treatment lasting longer than 30 days, the success rate at the same time was an astounding 84.2% success rate. This furthers the changing mindset of many addiction, mental health and treatment professionals that believe 90 days need to become the minimum amount of time a patient is involved in a treatment setting to offer them the best chance of success.

The study suggested that “aftercare is crucial once an individual has completed drug or alcohol treatment and is in recovery. There is a continuity of care that should be followed once initial treatment is completed.” The understanding is that a traditional 28- or 30-day addiction treatment program is important but absolutely must be followed by a comprehensive aftercare plan that continually engages a patient for months afterwards.

If you or someone you know is in need of help because of drug and/or alcohol abuse or addiction, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (410) 773-0500 or email our team at info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our drug addiction and alcohol addiction services and recovery resources, please visit our web site at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.