Every addict wants to get clean once and for all. After all, sustained sobriety can provide:
- Freedom from drugs and alcohol
- Rebuilt relationships with loved ones
- Improved physical and mental health
- Financial stability and employment opportunities
But there is a catch…
The real struggle starts when you are sober.
If you don’t receive any treatment, chances are you will fail. But don’t lose hope just yet…
Did you know that the right treatment can change your life forever?
This article will show you exactly how treatment is helping people stay sober for the long term.
Let’s dive right in!
What you’ll learn:
- Why Quality Treatment Matters
- How Evidence-Based Therapies Work
- The Power of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Building Your Foundation for Long-Term Success
Why Quality Treatment Matters
Let’s start with something most people don’t know…
It’s not enough to “wish” or “try” to get sober.
Achieving and maintaining sobriety requires rewiring your brain and acquiring new skills for a life free of drugs and alcohol.
Luckily for you, science has helped us identify successful addiction treatment methods.
Here’s some proof:
- 75% of people who experience addiction will recover
- 47% of people complete a formal addiction treatment program
- 29.3 million U.S. adults overcame a major drug or alcohol problem in the past year
- 64.5% of those who finish an addiction program stay sober one year later
Successful recovery is definitely possible, but it’s not enough to “try”.
Quality addiction treatment services are critical. They provide:
- Safe medical supervision and detox
- Proven therapeutic approaches to healing the root causes of addiction
- Medications to support recovery when appropriate
- Relapse prevention and aftercare planning
Think of it this way…
You wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself, right? Addiction is a medical disease that requires trained professionals to treat.
Sustained Sobriety Statistics That Can Change Your Life
Do you want to know the good news about professional addiction treatment?
The success rates of addiction treatment have never been better.
In fact, according to the latest available data from 2024, an estimated 29.3 million adults in the U.S. reported resolving significant drug and alcohol problems and are living in sustained sobriety.
Even better…
After 5 years of continuous sobriety, the risk of relapse drops to less than 15%. That is comparable to the average risk of developing addiction.
Five years of sobriety is your ticket to a great life.
How Evidence-Based Therapies Work
Successful addiction treatments are not mystical or complicated. They are scientifically validated approaches that have helped millions of people. 
Evidence-based addiction treatment services focus on several key areas:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which allows you to understand and rewire damaging thought patterns that lead to substance abuse. You will learn to identify your triggers and develop healthier coping skills.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy which builds upon your personal motivation for change and increase your confidence in your ability to recover. It’s all about finding your “why” and holding on for dear life.
- Contingency Management which provides positive reinforcement to encourage healthy behaviors. You could say it is retraining your brain’s reward circuitry to get satisfaction from positive activities.
But wait, there’s more…
These therapies are even more effective when paired with medical support. That’s where medication-assisted treatment comes in.
The Power of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Hold on to your hat because this next fact will blow you away…
One of the reasons some of the most successful recovery programs include medications as part of the treatment plan.
Trust me, this is not about “swapping one drug for another”.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves FDA-approved medications that:
- Reduce withdrawal symptoms during detox
- Suppress cravings for drugs or alcohol
- Block the pleasurable effects of substances
- Restore normal brain function
Need more convincing?
Studies have found that MAT lowers deaths by about 50% among people with opioid use disorder (OUD). For alcohol addiction, alcohol rehab programs combining medication with therapy result in the highest success rates.
Why MAT is so effective?
Addiction changes the brain’s chemistry. MAT can help restore balance while you work on therapy and life skills.
Finding the Right Treatment Approach
Before we move forward, here is something you need to understand…
Not all treatment programs are created equal. The most successful ones are tailored to meet your specific needs.
The following factors can significantly impact treatment success:
- What substance or substances you use and how long you have been using
- If you have any co-occurring mental health conditions
- How much support is available at home
The best addiction treatment services perform a thorough assessment to understand your situation. After which, they will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of recovery.
Building Your Foundation for Long-Term Success
You may wonder, what is the secret of sustained sobriety?
It’s simple – It is not about quitting drugs and alcohol, but building an entirely new life.
Successful treatment programs address:
- Physical health through medical care and nutrition
- Mental health by treating depression, anxiety, and trauma. This is what is known as dual diagnosis treatment
- Social connection by helping you repair relationships and establish a support network
- Life skills such as vocational training and money management
The Role of Ongoing Support
Did you know that this next fact might shock you?
Treatment is not the end of the road.
In fact, that is when the real work begins. The most successful people in sustained sobriety continue to participate in aftercare services such as:
- Regular individual or group counseling sessions
- Support group meetings
- Medication management
- Check-ins with addiction treatment professionals
You can think about it as managing a chronic disease. Addiction is one and it requires ongoing treatment.
But the good news is…
With each day you remain sober, the chances of relapse decrease. Your brain continues to heal, relationships strengthen, and you become more confident in your ability to stay sober.
Creating Your Personal Recovery Plan
Are you ready to take the next step toward sustained sobriety?
The first thing you need to do is find addiction treatment services that align with your needs.
Remember that not every treatment program is right for everyone.
When researching treatment options, you should look for:
- Evidence-based therapies that have a track record of success
- Medical professionals specializing in addiction medicine
- Individualized treatment plans
- Availability of aftercare support
Feel free to ask tough questions about success rates and approach to treatment.
Taking the First Step
You’re probably thinking…
“This all sounds great, but how do I actually get started?”
The first step is often the most difficult one to take. But, as soon as you make the decision to seek help, the resources available to you are quite overwhelming.
To get started, you should:
- Research treatment facilities and call their admissions counselors
- Inquire about insurance
- Take advantage of free assessment
Remember, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is a sign of strength and wisdom.
Wrapping It Up
Achieving sustained sobriety through quality addiction treatment is not just a pipe dream – it is possible.
The science-backed approach of evidence-based therapies, medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, and comprehensive aftercare support provides the building blocks of a successful recovery.
The good news is that the statistics are on your side.
Professional addiction treatment services and providers are here to help you.
The most important thing you need to know?
It’s never too late to start the road to recovery.
The chances are that your recovery story has not ended. Whether it is the first time you are seeking treatment, or you are a returning visitor, treatment and rehab can work for you.
Your new life is waiting. It is not a question of whether you will achieve sustained sobriety, but rather when.
Don’t wait another day.
Your journey starts with a decision to reach out for help.