This study was conducted by the Addiction Policy Forum (APF) and includes what they call the Patient Experiences Journey Map. The map was developed through the input of patients in addiction treatment and recovery. According to APF, the map underscores the obstacles and positive points patients encounter across seven distinct phases starting with treatment and continuing to finding long-term, stable recovery.

APF describes this report as a “qualitative study” that includes 60 Life Course History interviews of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders across 22 states and Canada. In the section titled Treatment & Recovery the reports shows that for this cohort, successful recovery was achieved through multiple pathways. From the report:

Multiple services utilized, not a single intervention
On average, patients utilized four different services for treatment and recovery support, not a single treatment or intervention. Services accessed were support groups (88%), counseling/mental health treatment (57%), intensive outpatient treatment programs (52%), followed by residential programs (37%), aftercare programs (30%), medications for addiction treatment (28%), sober living (22%), and faith-based programs (12%).