The question of whether drug rehab works relies on several factors, such as the type and length of addiction, the duration of the rehabilitation program, and what kinds of long-term support are provided to the recovering addict. Not enough research has been concerned with evaluating, in a controlled setting, programs in comparison with each other. Therefore, raw numbers are unreliable, but suggest that addicts rarely quit without any relapse. Most addicts have the potential to recover.
All studies agree that the longer an addict participates in a treatment program, the more likely it is that drug rehab works. Therefore, it is logical that lifetime commitments to recovery, as the philosophy of 12-step programs dictates, helps the addict to maintain their pledge of abstinence. Also, when the addict's goal is complete abstinence, drug rehab works better than for those who believe moderation is an acceptable goal.
For some reason, there appears to be a leap in the success of recovery at the three-month mark. Many intensive, inpatient programs offer residential treatment for up to three months. In this kind of supportive, drug-free environment, people can more easily transition to living by themselves. When residential support lasts only a month, success rates plummet. The cooperation of family, friends, and employers are crucial in helping drug rehab work well.
Researchers have discovered that the least effective method of drug rehab is short-term detoxification. This kind of interventionist medical treatment, where the addict stays in a hospital for 3-10 days while he or she physically withdraws from the drug, doesn't work. While this is an expensive treatment, it appears that those who go through temporary abstinence, for a week or two, are no more likely to enter long-term recovery than those who have not withdrawn at all.
Data directly from commercial drug rehab centers should be approached with skepticism, as these businesses are seeking to sell their product. Some respected facilities boast a drug rehab rate of 75-87%, which is unusually high. It seems that the average of all types of programs for all drugs hovers below 50% for those who successfully complete the program. This number doesn't take into account the many people who drop out of voluntary treatments, who can be said to have failed.
Some scientists believe that 15% of addicts are able to recover with very little support, but this is always disputed. Once they admit to their addiction, they may be able to break their habit without entering a program, yet are difficult to research. These are probably addicts in their early stages of establishing the routine of addictive thoughts and behavior. It's important to realize that, with alcoholics, 90% of them relapse at least once in the first four years of recovery. They eventually continue with success and show that persistent drug rehab can work.