Drug use--chronic and relapsing or a treatable condition?

Area of Science:

• Addiction research
• Treatment evaluation
• Public health

Background:

• The term "chronic relapsing disorder" is commonly used for drug use.
• This terminology may oversimplify complex treatment outcomes.
• It potentially underestimates the effectiveness of addiction treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the utility of the "chronic relapsing disorder" model in addiction.
• To highlight the successes observed in drug treatment evaluations.
• To advocate for a more nuanced understanding of treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of findings from major multisite drug treatment evaluations.
• Review of long-term post-treatment outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders.
• Critique of the prevailing conceptualization of drug use as an inevitable chronic relapsing condition.

Main Results:

• A significant minority (19%) of treated individuals maintain long-term abstinence (6 years).
• Overwhelming majorities of treated individuals do not return to pretreatment levels of drug use or criminal activity.
• Current treatment evaluations demonstrate substantial positive outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The "chronic relapsing disorder" model is inadequate for capturing the complexity of drug treatment.
• Drug treatment demonstrates significant efficacy, with many individuals achieving sustained recovery.
• Challenging the chronic relapse narrative is crucial for supporting and preserving addiction treatment services.