9 Reasons SUD Patients Fail to Make a Full Recovery
Today, the word “cure” is rarely used in mental health treatment circles, as it implies that patients with conditions like substance use disorder (SUD) can revert to their state before they had the illness. We now know that being “cured” of something like SUD is not usually a realistic goal, as mental illnesses tend to leave a lasting effect on affected individuals.1,2
Instead, the preferred term is “recovery”, which simply implies a state where the patient becomes healthier and is able to function as normal. People with SUD who have made a full recovery may still experience lingering effects of their substance misuse but are still able to live a full and meaningful life. Many may no longer need continued medical attention after they have made a full recovery.1,2
Thankfully, it is generally agreed that a full recovery from SUD is usually achievable for most patients. However, there are practical reasons why may be difficult for many recovering individuals. Below we’ll explore why a full recovery may not be within immediate reach of some patients as well as how it can usually be achieved.2,3,7,8
Common Barriers to SUD Recovery
While a full recovery is theoretically achievable for most people affected by SUD, several serious and widespread challenges can slow it down significantly. Being able to resolve the issues below can typically improve patient outcomes.3,7,8
1.) Not Believing the Need for Help
People with SUD may sometimes be in denial of their need for professional help. This may prevent early treatment, which may result in the further deterioration of their condition. This may make recovery more difficult when they finally seek help, later on.7,8
2.) Fear of Backlash from Family or Community
Even with all the gains we’ve made in understanding mental health and the nature of SUD, the stigma against substance misuse remains strong. This fear of getting found out may keep affected individuals from seeking help, even if they know they need it.7,8
3.) Inability to Continue Working
Unfortunately, many people with substance use issues also face financial uncertainty. Even though there are affordable outpatient treatment and rehab options out there that allow patients to keep working, a few may need an extended period of residential care that requires them to give up their income. In some cases, this may prevent them from seeking a treatment mode that can better address their condition.7,8
4.) Insufficient Time for Treatment
The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends 90 days minimum for recovery. The reality is, this may be an optimistic figure, and most SUD patients may need a much longer recovery period. Unfortunately, many treatment programs do not meet the NIDA-recommended minimum treatment period, much less the actual period many need to recover sufficiently so that they may begin re-integrating into society.3
5.) Insufficient Medical Intervention
Many individuals with SUD require medical intervention at different points of the recovery process. In addition to psychotherapy, many individuals need close monitoring and medical intervention during the withdrawal phase. If they need medication replacement therapy, medical intervention may be required for an extended period even after they have completed rehab.3,7,8
6.) Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Having a psychiatric co-morbidity can significantly complicate treatment. Left unattended, the behavioral issues caused by a co-occurring mental health issue may make it more difficult for the affected individual to commit to a treatment plan. Additionally, these co-morbidities can make it difficult for clinicians to come up with an effective set of treatments.3,7,8
7.) Lack of Sufficient Insurance Coverage
Some individuals with SUD may need types of treatment that are not covered by their available insurance plans. Some states may also offer little support in this area, forcing patients to pay out of pocket, limiting the options of lower-income individuals.7,8
8.) Poor Local Treatment Availability
SUD patients may not always be able to access the type of treatment they need locally. This means that they may have to temporarily move elsewhere for treatment or make do with less optimal programs in their area, potentially slowing down their recovery.7,8
9.) Lack of Treatment Personalization
SUD treatment tends to be more effective when a holistic, personalized approach is used. Being able to tailor treatments to a patient’s specific needs tends to speed up recovery while also helping improve long-term outcomes.3,7,8
How Does Recovery From SUD Work?
Evidence over the past few decades strongly suggests that many of the effects of SUD, including cravings and problems with emotional regulation, have to do with changes in the brain caused by repeated substance misuse. Habit-forming substances tend to change the brain’s reward system along with other parts responsible for different behaviors.2,3,4,5,6
Thankfully, the brain remains adaptable and capable of creating new cells and connections throughout our lives. This means that with proper treatment and rehabilitation, most individuals’ brains can create the fresh connections needed to achieve recovery.2,3,4,5,6
The Role of Detox, Therapy, and Drug Replacement
To facilitate this regenerative process, it’s important to safely get the patient off of substances first. This may be complicated by withdrawal symptoms, which need to be carefully managed during the detoxification process.3,4
When the patient is stable, psychotherapy and other relevant complementary therapies will need to be applied for an extended period to help the patient’s brain heal. Additionally, some patients may need drug replacement therapy throughout this period to help keep them functional and to wean them off their substance of choice.3,4,6,7
While some traces of the maladaptive brain connections from substance use might remain, given time and regular therapy these will pose little or no impact on the affected individual’s ability to live a full and productive life.3,4
Find Your Path to Recovery Today
If you’re in the North Texas region, your recovery can begin with one phone call. Get in touch with the Dallas Drug Treatment Centers team at +1(214) 935-2287 to find recovery programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that meet your unique needs.
Resources:
- White, W. L. (2007). Addiction recovery: Its definition and conceptual boundaries. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 33(3), 229-241.
- Laudet A. B. (2007). What does recovery mean to you? Lessons from the recovery experience for research and practice. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 33(3), 243–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2007.04.014
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, July 10). Treatment and Recovery.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, July 27). Drugs and the Brain.
- Nock, N. L., Minnes, S., & Alberts, J. L. (2017). Neurobiology of substance use in adolescents and potential therapeutic effects of exercise for prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. Birth defects research, 109(20), 1711-1729.
- Porto, P. R., Oliveira, L., Mari, J., Volchan, E., Figueira, I., & Ventura, P. (2009). Does cognitive-behavioral therapy change the brain? A systematic review of neuroimaging in anxiety disorders. The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences, 21(2), 114-125.
- De Civita, M., Dobkin, P. L., & Robertson, E. (2000). A study of barriers to the engagement of significant others in adult addiction treatment. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 19(2), 135-144.
- Choi, N. G., DiNitto, D. M., & Marti, C. N. (2014). Treatment use, perceived need, and barriers to seeking treatment for substance abuse and mental health problems among older adults compared to younger adults. Drug and alcohol dependence, 145, 113-120.