Discovery’s partnership with Rutgers University
Substance abuse is a persistent and recurring brain disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to seek and consume drugs and alcohol, even when faced with detrimental outcomes.
Dependency on substances is a condition that can impact anyone, regardless of their gender, age, socioeconomic status, or ethnic background.
Effective management of addiction necessitates a long-term approach. Recognizing the significance of personal motivation in the treatment of substance abuse is crucial for enhancing understanding of relapse and maintaining treatment adherence.
The challenge of engaging individuals in addiction treatment contributes to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Intentions regarding addiction treatment encompass a spectrum of motivations influenced by both internal and external factors, such as the adverse effects on oneself and others, the influence of family and friends, and societal stigma.
These motivations are vital for forecasting the success of treatment. A deeper understanding of the elements that affect patient engagement in substance use disorder treatment could enhance retention rates by providing addiction specialists, healthcare providers, and their systems with insights into individuals who may be at higher risk of disengagement.
In partnership with the Discovery Institute in Marlboro, New Jersey, researchers at the Rutgers University Addiction Medicine Department are studying factors that impact treatment success and long-term recovery. This study aims to understand which factors influence substance use disorder (SUD) treatment outcomes and how to improve recovery strategies for patients in residential treatment programs.
What Factors Influence Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Outcomes?
Various individual, interpersonal, and societal elements can significantly impact the outcomes of substance use disorder treatment. Key individual factors include motivation, self-efficacy, and the existence of co-occurring mental health issues. Interpersonal elements, such as robust support systems and the influence of negative peer relationships, also contribute to the success of treatment. Societal aspects such as stigma, accessibility of services, and social and economic disparities can further influence results.
Establishing a solid support network is essential in the treatment of substance use disorders, as it entails actively seeking and fostering relationships. Healthy connections not only encourage sobriety but also offer understanding, motivation, and accountability.
- Motivation and self-efficacy: A robust desire for change coupled with confidence in one’s capacity to effect that change is vital for successful treatment outcomes.
- Co-occurring mental health disorders: Individuals grappling with comorbid mental health conditions may encounter obstacles in engaging with and completing treatment due to heightened stress and susceptibility.
- Past experiences: Previous treatment experiences, including past participation and educational background, can shape one’s engagement and results in treatment.
- Personality and risk factors: Specific personality traits, such as disinhibition and positive expectations surrounding alcohol, may influence treatment effectiveness.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can heighten the risk of substance use disorders (SUDs) and potentially affect treatment results.
- Commitment to treatment: A strong dedication to recovery and strict adherence to treatment protocols are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes.
- Perception of risk: Individuals who recognize the risks linked to substance use may exhibit greater motivation to pursue treatment.
- Social support networks: Robust social support from relatives, friends, and peer groups can offer motivation and accountability, aiding in the recovery process.
- Negative peer influences: Encountering adverse peer influences, such as the pressure to engage in substance use, can halt the progress of treatment.
- Family dynamics: Unhealthy familial relationships and dysfunctional family structures can significantly affect treatment results.
- Stigma and Bias: Negative perceptions and biases towards individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) can impede their access to treatment and engagement.
- Access to Services: Limited availability of affordable and culturally sensitive treatment options may adversely affect treatment results.
- Socioeconomic inequalities: Socioeconomic disadvantages, such as poverty, unemployment, and unstable housing, pose significant obstacles for those undergoing SUD treatment and recovery.
- Criminal justice involvement: Involvement with the criminal justice system can hinder treatment and recovery efforts, as well as affect treatment outcomes.
- Policy and legislation: Supportive policies and legislation that enhance access to treatment, promote harm reduction strategies, and ensure equity in healthcare can lead to improved outcomes for SUD treatment.
Addiction treatment encompasses various levels of care that vary in terms of structure, support, and monitoring. It has been suggested that residential treatment, also known as inpatient rehab, is crucial for individuals with more severe substance use disorders (SUDs).
Completing inpatient treatment is a significant achievement. However, maintaining a life free from alcohol and drugs requires a commitment that extends beyond merely abstaining from substances. It may be necessary to alter social circles and habits, as reverting to previous lifestyles could provoke a relapse.
Studies reveal that fewer than 43% of individuals who begin a treatment program for drug and alcohol abuse complete it. As the success of individual treatment is influenced by various factors, recognizing what could impact recovery outcomes can improve strategies for treatment effectiveness.
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Research Advancing Addiction Treatment and Understanding
Substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction and alcohol addiction, present significant public health concerns. Although treatment options and our understanding of addiction have progressed, the advanced research by healthcare professionals and scientists indicates that stigma remains a substantial barrier to seeking help. Research is crucial for enhancing treatment, diminishing stigma, and exploring innovative healthcare alternatives.
The continued participation of healthcare professionals and scientists in research indicates that one of the primary obstacles to pursuing addiction treatment is the stigma that continues to exist around it. Often viewed as a moral failing rather than a chronic condition, this perspective fosters shame and guilt and discourages many from seeking assistance (resulting in negative health outcomes).
As researchers strive to create scientifically validated treatments, addiction is progressively being acknowledged as a medical issue that warrants the same level of attention and care as other chronic illnesses. The field of addiction treatment has undergone significant changes since emerging in the 1930s and 1940s. Recent shifts in the landscape indicate a transition towards finally recognizing substance abuse as a complex disease that’s treatable.
Traditional approaches such as counseling, rehab, and support groups continue to play a crucial role. However, studies are evaluating the safety, efficacy, and potential of new revolutionary medications and therapies. The goal is to effectively address the distinct needs of individuals facing challenges with addiction, more importantly, to enhance a patient’s treatment outcomes.
Discovery Institute’s rehab center in Marlboro, NJ, is working with Rutgers University Addiction Research Center to become part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the understanding of addiction and improving the outcome of treatment results. This sense of purpose and contribution alleviates feelings of isolation and shame, allowing participants to join a community of individuals dedicated to transforming addiction treatment.
Study FAQs
Recovery for substance use disorders is complex, and treatment success varies by individual. By identifying personal, environmental, and treatment-specific factors that influence recovery, this research can help improve future treatment strategies.
The study is being conducted by researchers at Rutgers University, in collaboration with treatment centers. The lead investigators of this study are Dr. Jill Rabinowitz and Dr. Marilyn Piccirillo.
Dr. Jill Rabinowitz, Ph. D.
Dr. Jill Rabinowitz is a developmental psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers University. Her research is dedicated to addressing the full spectrum of substance use, from prevention to treatment optimization. Her work is driven by the belief that effectively tackling addiction requires a multidisciplinary and person-centered approach, one that values the lived experiences of individuals in recovery, identifies how genetics shape how individuals respond to different treatments, and collaborates closely with community care providers.
Dr. Rabinowitz has developed strong partnerships with addiction treatment centers to implement an innovative, data-driven research program. This involves the daily collection of genetic information, biometric data (e.g., sleep patterns, physical activity), and clinical indicators (e.g., mood, cravings). By integrating these real-time insights, her goal is to understand how individual genetic profiles influence treatment outcomes and to identify the moment-to-moment predictors of substance use. Ultimately, Dr. Rabinowitz’s work aims to inform personalized interventions that enhance treatment effectiveness and improve the lives of individuals and their families impacted by addiction.
Dr. Marilyn Piccirillo
Dr. Marilyn Piccirillo is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers University. Her work focuses on finding more personalized ways to understand and support mental health and recovery from substance use, particularly with the use of technology.
Dr. Piccirillo uses data from smartphones and other digital tools to learn how people’s symptoms of addiction, treatment experiences, and recovery journeys can vary, and how we can use that information to improve care. She’s especially interested in using smartphones and other forms of digital data to make mental health and addiction treatments more flexible, responsive, and easier to access. Dr. Piccirillo’s research takes a person-centered, harm-reduction approach, with a strong focus on supporting people who face overlapping mental health and substance use challenges. Piccirillo is particularly committed to improving care for those most affected by trauma, including women, veterans, and people from marginalized communities.
Non-drug reinforcers (activities that bring joy or satisfaction without drugs) impact recovery outcomes for people recently discharged from substance use treatment.
Dr. Rabinowitz’s key findings:
- People are less likely to return to substance use when they have access to and enjoy non-drug activities.
- Enjoyable non-drug activities helped people stay sober and feel satisfied.
- Feeling good in other areas of life and improving the quality of life helped prevent relapse.
The Personalizing Treatment Delivery Study is a Rutgers-led counseling study that examines how digital smartphone surveys and data can be used to improve the counseling experience for people with drinking problems and symptoms of anxiety or traumatic stress.
Dr. Piccirillo’s key findings:
- Completing the smartphone surveys increases mindfulness skills.
- Digital data can help clients and counselors collaborate in focus sessions.
- Participants were willing to continue with smartphone surveys (following counseling) to help maintain their treatment goals.
The study identified various factors potentially linked to treatment completion, yet it cannot confirm causality. Many factors may merely indicate resources available to those seeking addiction treatment. Further research is necessary to explore whether addressing external factors, such as stable housing access, improves recovery engagement among treated individuals.
- Adults (18+) currently in residential treatment.
- Adults are comfortable completing daily and weekly brief surveys on a tablet.
- English proficiency required.
- Optional: Participants may provide a DNA sample via saliva collection.
- Completing a survey at intake (within the first 72 hours of treatment admission).
- Completing daily and weekly surveys on a tablet.
- Optional: Providing a saliva sample for genetic research.
- Optional: Participating in focus groups and interviews about treatment experiences.
The study lasts as long as the participant’s stay in treatment. Daily and weekly surveys take only a few minutes to complete.
No. Participants can choose to opt in to different aspects of the study. Participation is completely voluntary.
- You will help advance research that could improve treatment approaches for substance use recovery.
- The study may lead to improved treatment models based on real-world data from individuals in recovery.
While there is no direct financial compensation, participants will contribute to important research that may improve treatment strategies for future individuals in recovery.
- Your data will be de-identified and linked to a participant ID, not your name.
- The study is covered under an NIH Certificate of Confidentiality to protect participant information.
- Participation in this study will not impact your treatment or services received.
- DNA samples are used only for research purposes, to study genetic influences on treatment outcomes.
- Samples are de-identified and sent to a secure lab for analysis.
- The DNA sample will not be used for law enforcement, drug testing, paternity testing, or medical diagnosis.
Ask a treatment center staff member for more information.
Yes. Participation is voluntary, and you can choose to stop participating at any time without affecting your treatment.
Help Advance Research While in Treatment
Moving Forward: Embracing Innovation and Hope
As research advances, so does the understanding and treatment of addiction. This can help to shift the stigma of substance use disorders toward compassion and provide evidence-based care. Studies like this one from Rutgers University and the Discovery Institute help to pave the way for innovative therapies that can alleviate addiction’s impact and save lives.
For those battling addiction, Discovery Institute is improving access to pioneering treatments and offering the chance to contribute to a transformative movement in addiction care. By dismantling stigma and embracing scientific progress, we approach a future where addiction is comprehensively understood, treated, and compassionately managed.
Help researchers improve addiction treatments and advance personalized care by joining the Research Community Partnership. To participate and join the research efforts, visit https://addictionresearch.rutgers.edu/register. If you have questions, reach out to a member of the treatment staff or Dr. Jill Rabinowitz at (732)-235-4436 and jill.rabinowitz@rutgers.edu.
Dr. Michael DeShields, MD, ASAM, DABAM, is a distinguished Medical Director with nearly 40 years of expertise in addiction medicine. A diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine and the American Society of Addiction Medicine since 1996, he is renowned for his leadership and commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care. Dr. DeShields earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and completed his training at Cooper University Medical Center, where he cultivated his passion for addiction treatment. His dedication and innovation continue to shape the field, guiding clinical teams and supporting patients on their recovery journey.
