Research indicates that even the most severely addicted individuals can participate actively in treatment and that active participation is essential to good outcomes. Medical detoxification is only the first stage and by itself does little to change long-term drug use. It safely manages the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping drug use. While detoxification alone is rarely sufficient for long-term abstinence, for some individuals it is a strongly indicated precursor to effective treatment. Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.
Strong motivation can facilitate the process.
Sanctions or enticements in the family, employment setting, or criminal justice system can increase significantly both treatment entry and retention rates and the success of interventions. Generally, therefore, drug addiction treatment is less expensive compared to situations where the addicts are not treated or simply being incarcerated. Treatment is regarded as cost-effective in reducing drug use and its associated health and social costs. In short, treatment of addiction can be as successful as treatment of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension. The measures of effectiveness typically include levels of criminal behaviour, family functioning, employability, and medical condition.