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Moral support in starting and staying
with treatment, reassurances from employer or business
associates, willing participation by spouse or children
in group therapy sessions -- are examples of realistic
support.
The long range goal is healthy living for the person and
their family -- physical health, social health,
emotional health -- an objective we all share.
Three out of four alcohol and drug abusing men and women
are married; living at home; holding onto a job,
business, or profession; and are reasonably well
accepted members of their communities. For those in this
group who seek treatment, the outlook is good.
Regardless of life situation, the earlier treatment
starts after troubles are recognized, the better the
chances for success.
Many therapists now use rehabilitation as a measure of
outcome -- success is considered achieved when the
patient maintains or reestablishes a good family life
and work record, and a respectable position in the
community. Relapse may occur but do not mean that the
person or the treatment effort has failed.
A successful outcome, on this basis, can be expected for
50 to 70 percent depending upon the personal
characteristics of the patient; early treatment
intervention; competence of the therapists; availability
of hospital and outpatient facilities; and the strong
support of family, friends, employer, and community.
"It is doubtful that any specific percentage figure has
much meaning by itself," says one authority. "What does
have a great deal of meaning is the fact that tens of
thousands of such cases have shown striking improvement
over many years."
The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention offers
information on all aspects of the prevention of alcohol
and other drug problems. It also maintains a
State-by-State listing of most public and private
alcohol and other drug information, counseling, and
treatment facilities.
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