0
0
A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence sheds light on the persistent challenge of overcoming substance use disorders, revealing that relapse is a common and expected part of the recovery journey. The research, conducted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC’s Addiction Recovery Research Center, analyzed how many attempts it takes for individuals to successfully quit various substances. It offers crucial insights for both clinicians and individuals seeking recovery, with a focus on understanding the different experiences of quitting across substances.
Dr. Rafaela Fontes, a research scientist at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and lead author of the study, emphasized that addiction should be treated as a chronic condition rather than an acute one. “When we talk about intervention for addiction, we know that we are far from the ideal model of treatment,” Fontes said. “There are substances that are harder to quit than others, and recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey.”
The study focused on how many quit attempts it takes for individuals to cease using substances like alcohol, opioids, cannabis, cocaine, and hallucinogens. Researchers found that opioids and pain medication were the most difficult to quit, requiring significantly more attempts compared to other substances. Hallucinogens, on the other hand, were found to be less challenging, with fewer quit attempts needed for cessation.
The analysis also highlighted the impact of an individual’s history with substance use. Those with a longer or more severe history of substance use disorder often required more attempts before achieving successful abstinence. Interestingly, substances that trigger severe physical withdrawal symptoms, such as opioids and pain medication, were associated with higher rates of relapse and more quit attempts.
The study was based on responses from 344 participants who had successfully quit at least one substance. Participants were asked about their substance use history, quit attempts, and current status, revealing crucial data about how long individuals typically need to quit and the substances they struggled with most. Pain medications and opioids consistently ranked as the hardest to quit, with alcohol and stimulants also requiring more attempts than substances like cannabis, cocaine, and nicotine. Tranquilizers, another highly addictive substance, also saw a high number of quit attempts.
These findings suggest that early intervention can be key to success, reducing the likelihood of relapse and helping individuals achieve lasting recovery. Allison Tegge, corresponding author on the study, emphasized the importance of a personalized approach in addiction treatment. “Not only did we consider the substance, but we also looked at the individual experience in context,” she explained.
The research also underscores the relevance of the International Quit & Recovery Registry, a tool designed to enhance scientific understanding of addiction recovery. The registry, founded by addiction expert Dr. Warren Bickel, provides a wealth of data that continues to inform current research.
For many in recovery, understanding the average number of attempts it may take to quit a specific substance could alleviate feelings of failure. “If people in recovery knew that relapse is part of the process, they might view it as a necessary step toward long-term success,” Tegge noted.
Ultimately, this research aims to inform both treatment strategies and individual recovery journeys, shedding light on the chronic nature of addiction and reinforcing the idea that quitting is rarely achieved on the first try.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized treatment and guidance regarding addiction recovery.
