Gambling, pornography, substance abuse or even social media are all addiction that at present affecting millions of people both directly and indirectly. It is a long-draining decline of the addict that in some cases, is even fatal. It is no surprise then that there have been efforts to put users on programs that help them take back control of their lives. Little is known about addiction recovery, and most opinions are based purely on hearsay. However, there are some facts about addiction recovery.
1. It is a $35 Billion industry.
What do you get when you combine millions of addicts, families desperate for help and virtually no oversight? $35 billion annually. Addiction recovery centers have no stipulations as to where they can be put up. The pricing is also not controlled by any authorities. Due to the desperation of getting a loved one help, families go all out with treatments costing upwards of $7500 a month. For the high-end establishments, the higher end of 5 figure or the lower 6 is not such a surprise, rather the norm.
2. Medication used in treatment is vital.
For years, it was believed that drug and substance addiction was that drugs could not be used to treat addicts’ dependence. It was noted, though, that rate of relapse even with counseling and detoxification was too high. Dr. Vincent D. Pole along with other researchers found Methadone, unlike morphine, was a better alternative as it actively suppressed the need to use opioids (Origins of Opioid Maintenance Therapy). Now, the 12-step program is used hand-in-hand with Methadone and other drugs that each act as a suppressant.
3. 12-Step Programs have no scientific backing.
Since its uptake, the 12 step program has been somewhat of a cure-all solution for addicts in recovery, even spawned other Anonymous groups each for different addictions. However, there has been no scientific evidence that has released that shows that the program is foolproof. “The quality of the recovery outcome can only be gauged individually,” according to Reflections Recovery Center.
4. Recovery is a lifelong process.
It would be easy to assume that after being treated for addiction, your battle against the causative agent has been won. It has been shown however that relapse is an ever-looming threat, and it is a constant battle of will not to relapse. Drugs like Methadone have been very useful in this, attaining a 61% relapse prevention rate at 90 days.
With new drugs emerging every day, addiction numbers may continue to rise; it is important to reach out to a user and help them seek help.
