Natural Recovery or Recovery without Treatment from Alcohol and Drug Problems as Seen from Survey Data

Much of what is known about natural recovery or self-change without treatment from alcohol and drug problems comes from general population studies or special sampling from sources other than treatment centers. In this chapter studies from large-scale population surveys and community studies as well as those from smaller samples obtained by advertising or other means will be reviewed. Such studies provide a good estimate of how many people in the larger society have alcohol and drug problems that they resolve without formal treatment. These studies also help us understand the characteristics of those who recover without treatment. The advantages and disadvantages of using various interview methods and what questions are still unanswered about natural recovery in large populations will also be examined. Practical suggestions based on this research will be further discussed in the concluding chapter of this book.