The Missing Link: Tracking Addiction Patient Outcomes for Better Recovery
So what I mean by that is right now we have, we have, there is a lot of kind of scattered information...I think we're throwing away a tremendous amount of data by not putting the onus on treatment centers to do some kind of follow-up.
Imagine trying to fix a problem without really knowing how big it is or what’s causing it. That’s the current state of addiction treatment, according to Nathan and Corey on the Recovery Machine Podcast. In this thought-provoking episode, they dive into the often overlooked but crucial aspect of tracking addiction patient outcomes. The hosts argue that without proper tracking, we’re flying blind when it comes to understanding what works and what doesn’t in addiction recovery.
They point out that many treatment centers don't set clear goals for their patients from the start, leading to scattered data and inconsistent results. This lack of structured tracking means we miss out on valuable insights that could shape more effective treatment protocols. Nathan and Corey suggest that something as straightforward as monitoring whether a patient has returned to work in a healthy manner could be a game-changer.
But it's not just about getting back to work; they also stress the importance of keeping an eye on other addictive behaviors that might pop up post-treatment. This episode isn’t just about pointing out flaws; it’s about envisioning a better system. The hosts discuss the hurdles—like funding and resources—that make comprehensive tracking challenging. They also touch on harm reduction strategies and how socioeconomic factors play a role in treatment outcomes.
If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to relapse while others thrive, this episode sheds light on the missing piece of the puzzle: reliable data. Tune in to hear Nathan and Corey make a compelling case for why tracking addiction patient outcomes could revolutionize how we approach addiction treatment.