When a treatment center tells you they have a success rate, how do they measure it? Since rehab centers can vary from one to another, establishing a standardized method to measure data differs from treatment center to treatment center. Many drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers base success on factors such as the number of men and women who complete the treatment program, the number of individuals who stay sober following treatment, follow-up with patient alumni, and in-house studies.
What is Success?
Substance addiction is highly individual and although the end goal is abstinence, the journey of recovery can look different for each person and getting to the place of sobriety is not always a simple one. For instance, if someone experiences relapse, does that mean success is no longer an option for that person?
Success is subjective and measured differently for each person and can look very different depending on the type of rehab you look at. Some of the most common types of recovery programs include in or outpatient, 12 step support groups, and spontaneous individual recovery.
In and Out-Patient Programs
In-and outpatient programs typically base their success rate on their own numbers and data. They can determine the measure of success through follow-up with patients. This can be a good indicator of the program, but not give a clear picture of how a treatment program measures against another program, since their data may measure success differently.
12-Step Support Groups
You’ll likely be familiar with 12-step support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. By the name, AA is anonymous and the data for success is limited. And success can look different from in or outpatient treatment programs. A support group may measure success as one day of abstinence rather than finish a prescribed timeline of treatment.
Spontaneous Individual Recovery
Some men and women experience spontaneous recovery without rehab or support groups. Of course, there is limited data about this phenomenon likely because there is no way for individuals to report they reached sobriety. By no means does this invalidate spontaneous remission, but it makes it difficult to measure its success rate.
Assessing Outcomes of Success
Until a standardized measure of assessing outcomes is adopted, it can be difficult to develop an accurate measure of success. A study about assessing success reports addiction professionals in the US lack access to standardized tools to measure short- and long-term success. Furthermore, the definition and concept of recovery is loose and can look different to each person.
All this said, drug and alcohol treatment centers can diminish the blur of measured success and show outcomes through accreditation and evidence-based outcome driven treatment plans.
For instance, The Joint Commission accreditation award evaluates health care settings, including drug and alcohol rehab centers, and measures compliance to the strict standards set forth by The Joint Commission. Their “Gold Seal of Approval” shows their dedication to safe and effective treatment.
Outcome driven treatment plans allow for treatment of the individual-their personal needs, beliefs, and preferences. For addiction, personalized treatment plans can lead to better engagement and connection to the drug and alcohol rehab center, better communication and continued follow-up, and better treatment outcomes.
The Joint Commission Accredited Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Santa Rosa CA
Earlier this year, The Joint Commission awarded Pura Vida Recovery Services the Gold Seal of Approval for its commitment to compliance and high-performance standards. The evaluation included the detoxification and outpatient areas, including infection prevention and control, environment of care, emergency management, and the rights and responsibilities of the individual.
The team at Pura Vida Recovery Services works hard to provide a high level of care to individuals ready to break away from drug and/or alcohol addiction and rediscover joy in their lives. Men and women can access quality detox, outpatient care in a supportive environment, and sober living homes and have fun along the way.
To learn more about our treatment program and how we measure success, reach out and speak to a member of our team. We can discuss our evidence-approach to care and offer a free pre-admission screening for drug and/or alcohol treatment.
