As a chronic disease, addiction doesn’t have a cure. However, it can be managed successfully in recovery. Addiction recovery outlook depends heavily on how well you care for yourself.
Studies show that those with the best addiction prognosis are the ones who put the work into maintaining employment, attending support meetings, and going to regular doctor appointments. If your recovery includes a MAT regimen, keeping up with medications as prescribed is crucial to recovery.
Only a small percentage of those with any type of SUD ever seek treatment. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), approximately 8% of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) were treated. Many people with a SUD don’t feel they need treatment. Approximately 40% of the population who have a substance use issue go to rehab or utilize mental health services for their disease.
Relapse prevention is one key element of recovery. While relapse is often an expected part of moving into sobriety, it’s also a common cause of overdose. Once a person’s body becomes unaccustomed to a substance, using the same amount of it as before can be lethal.
What makes the difference is long-term sobriety. Compiling a list of recovery strategies with your therapist or support group helps you know what to do when faced with cravings. Counseling sessions allow you to explore the whys of your addiction and ways to avoid returning to it. And having a community that encourages and celebrates your milestones is invaluable.
If needed, you can also move to a sober living community as part of rehab aftercare. These residential treatment options allow you to spend time daily with others who are recovering. It can provide a more supportive environment than your previous housing arrangements.