How effective is an in-patient 28-day drug/alcohol rehab program?

2015-08-11T06:13:06-04:00

The military spends lots of money on 28-day in-patient drug and alcohol rehabilititation programs. These are successful programs for many Servicemembers. For others, not so much. What makes these programs effective? What makes them ineffective? I believe the success of the program rests more on the shoulders of the participant than the program itself. What do you think? Why do you hold the opinion that you do?

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Aug 11 at 2015 6:14 AM

2015-08-11T06:14:15-04:00

Has anyone you know been successful at an RTF?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Aug 11 at 2015 6:18 AM

2015-08-11T06:18:05-04:00

I know 4 folks over 16 year that have gone through ADADT (what the AF calls it) as in patient and probable a dozen more as out patient. Those that have gone in patient have gone on to have successful careers with the exception of one individual. Those who did the out patient I would say are about 50/50.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Aug 11 at 2015 6:21 AM

2015-08-11T06:21:09-04:00

I believe the same as you CH (MAJ) William Beaver , the success of this program, and all others like it, rest squarely on the shoulders of the participants. The program's give you the tools, it is up to the patient to use them.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 11 at 2015 8:07 AM

2015-08-11T08:07:12-04:00

It depends on the patient if they want to get sober they will. Those who are not committed to getting sober will not

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 10:54 AM

2015-08-11T10:54:09-04:00

Only as effective as the patient wants it to be

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 11 at 2015 6:03 PM

2015-08-11T18:03:59-04:00

This treatment plan is ONLY effective with a lot of willpower and a great support group around the patient. I have seen a majority of those that go through the program either relapse or just completely lose control....only the individual can make this treatment a success.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 11 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-08-11T19:53:31-04:00

The scariest thing facing addicts is pain he will feel when they are denied the substance of abuse while in treatment. The post treatment is the most important step. It helps to have a clean spouse who monitors the patient after the treatment. Sometimes that single beer or smoke will create intense cravings as to continue the substance abuse.

Response by SSG Douglas Turner made Aug 11 at 2015 9:57 PM

2015-08-11T21:57:48-04:00

I feel that a short treatment program is effective for persons with a minor abuse problem that hinders their job performance, get a DUI, or are caught with posession of a controlled substance. Those that are so dependent that their bodies have stopped producing dopamine and depend on the emotional high or down from the ndrug or alcohol need a long term treatment where they may be monitored for and with a detox program with limited and supervised visits. We all know that family support is impairative for positive results. Also all treatment is only as good as the persons desire to get free from the addiction. The reason why there are so many that relapse are either because the program wasn't long enough, or they really don't want to get clean!