12 Step & Rehab Success Rates: How many people are helped by 12-step programs & rehabs for addiction?
The success rate of these programs is hard to measure. Fewer than 10% of people who attend a 12-step program will stay sober, and the relapse rate is high. Some research suggests that there might be more long-term recovery among those who have attended self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, but it is still unclear how much difference participation in such groups makes. 12-step programs can be helpful for some people, but 12-step program should not replace other addiction recovery programs that have a better success rate.
12 Step & Rehab Success Rates
The 12-step program’s emphasis on spirituality may be effective in some cases but is not necessarily helpful in others. Its focus on self-reliance adds pressure that makes it difficult for people who are struggling to feel good about their accomplishments rather than feeling ashamed because they are unable to succeed without help from twelve steps fellowship groups. For many, this type of shame leads to relapse even if they stay sober for several weeks or months before they start drinking or drugging again.
Twelve steps and addiction treatment can be effective for some people, but 12-step programs should not replace other forms of rehab with a better success rate like medication-assisted treatments, counseling, recovery coaching and twelve-step fellowship groups that work in combination to prevent relapse.
Recovery
12 Steps and addiction recovery success rates are not the same. Twelve-step programs have a 90% relapse rate, while other forms of recovery can range from 12% to 50%. Twelve-step programs have been around for a long time, but more people are turning to other forms of recovery. Twelve step models have not evolved much since their creation in the early 1900s and focus on change through peer support rather than modern medical practices or education about addiction. There is also controversy surrounding twelve steps groups being religious-based while receiving tax-exempt status from the government.
These factors play a role in some individuals’ refusal to seek twelve-step support when looking into rehab options for themselves or loved ones seeking help with addiction issues. Twelve steps and addiction recovery can be effective for some people, but 12-step programs should not replace other forms of rehab with a better success rate like medication-assisted treatments, counseling, and twelve-step fellowship groups that work in combination to prevent relapse.
Rehab & Recovery
Although only about 1 in 10 people who seek addiction recovery are successful on their first try, many struggle for years before finding help. Those that complete the drug rehab process is three times less likely to relapse than those who do not get help (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
People Need Help
What often gets in the way of success at rehabilitation is not physical side effects but mental ones. Without proper guidance and support, the mental hurdle of quitting drugs or alcohol can make all other efforts seem futile (Schick Center). This does not mean mental support is less important than other medical procedures, but it does mean that the role of a professional in addiction recovery is to provide support and encouragement throughout recovery.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Recovery Is not One-Size Fits All. There are many levels and lengths of care for mental health issues like substance abuse disorders (CA). The type of rehab one receives will depend on their needs so there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. It is possible to become sober with any sort of program if you get quality support every step along the way.
