Pilot results of a new model of addiction treatment: managing addiction as a chronic disease.

BACKGROUND

Addiction is increasingly conceptualized as a chronic disease, yet the current addiction treatment system is largely based upon an acute illness model, with weeks of residential care followed by intensive day programs. To address this mismatch between best practices and current standards of care, we initiated a new model of highly intensive, rigorously monitored, year-long outpatient addiction treatment in Connecticut between December 2012 andJune 2013.

METHODS

We conducted a proof-of-concept pilot study, accepting everyone who was willing to participate and able to pay for the care.

RESULTS

A total of five participants were enrolled during this period, all with DSM-5 substance use disorder (SUD), severe. These participants, who comprised the entire pool of pilot participants and each completed 12 months of treatment, all achieved sustained abstinence (defined as more than six months of continuous sobriety), as confirmed by frequent, random alcohol and drug tests.

CONCLUSIONS

These pilot results demonstrate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of an innovative model of addiction treatment.