Addiction is a brain disease, and it is a difficult disease to treat. But it is treatable. It requires a full commitment from the individual to work on their recovery every day. Like any other chronic disease, relapse is always a possibility.
 

There are all sorts of claims regarding recovery "success rates." I have even seen claims as high as 90 percent. But independent research data by national and federal addictions agencies (NIDA, SAMHSA, etc.) do not support these claims - not by a long shot.

What research does consistently show is that the likelihood of long-term abstinence is greatly enhanced through participation in a highly structured residential recovery program like Next Step Recovery. Ideally, for a minimum of 3 to 6 months.

As one resident recently emphasized, "When you work the program, the program works!"

I also shared my personal measure of success. The one that keeps me going after more than 30 years into my own recovery.

It is the tremendous joy and gratitude I feel when I'm out and about and a Next Step Recovery alumni runs up to give me hug. Or texts me just to let me know they're thinking about me. Or stops by our recovery house just to say hi. Or brings a struggling friend to one of our house meetings.

Success is measured one person and one day at a time. I am grateful for the many successes we experience every day at Next Step Recovery.

Sincerely,

Susan Stader 

Susan Stader

Executive Director