From the Guidelines
The timeframe for remission in substance use disorder is typically categorized into early remission, which lasts for at least 3 months but less than 12 months, and sustained remission, which lasts for 12 months or more, without meeting the DSM-5 substance use disorders criteria except for craving. According to the DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders, early remission indicates a period of at least 3 months but less than 12 months without meeting the criteria, while sustained remission indicates a period of 12 months or more without meeting the criteria 1. This classification is based on the idea that recovery is a highly individualized process that can take anywhere from months to years. The recovery timeline is influenced by factors including the duration and severity of use, co-occurring mental health conditions, social support, and treatment engagement.
The DSM-5 criteria also note that craving can persist long into remission, which is why it is excluded from the criteria for remission 1. Treatment for substance use disorder typically involves a combination of approaches, including medications, behavioral therapies, and support groups. Many addiction specialists now view substance use disorder as a chronic condition requiring ongoing management rather than expecting complete "cure" within a specific timeframe. The American Journal of Psychiatry study published in 2013 provides further guidance on the DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders, including the definition of early and sustained remission 1.
Some key factors to consider when evaluating the timeframe for remission in substance use disorder include:
- The duration and severity of use
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Social support
- Treatment engagement
- The presence of craving, which can persist long into remission. It's worth noting that the DSM-5 criteria provide a framework for understanding and treating substance use disorder, but the recovery process can vary significantly from person to person. As such, treatment plans should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Timeframe for Remission in Substance Use Disorder
The timeframe for remission in substance use disorder can vary depending on several factors, including the type of substance used, the severity of the disorder, and the effectiveness of treatment.
- According to a study published in 2017, three distinct remission trajectory groups were identified among substance use disorder patients: early relapse, declining remission, and stable remission 2.
- The study found that the early relapse group had a higher risk of death than those who were stably remitted, while the stable and declining remission groups did not differ in terms of mortality risk 2.
- Another study published in 2017 suggested that after a period of five years of remission or recovery, the risk of exacerbation is low in substance use disorders 3.
- This study also found that factors such as increased quality of life, improved self-efficacy, employment, and spirituality can improve the success of recovery 3.
Factors Influencing Remission
Several factors can influence the likelihood of remission in substance use disorder, including:
- The type of treatment used, such as medication-assisted treatment or behavioral therapy 4, 5.
- The presence of co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders 5, 6.
- The individual's social and environmental support system 3.
- The individual's motivation and engagement in the treatment process 3.
Treatment Outcomes
Treatment outcomes for substance use disorder can vary depending on several factors, including the type of treatment used and the individual's response to treatment.
- A study published in 2022 found that buprenorphine treatment was associated with decreased drug-related poisonings compared to days without medication-assisted treatment, among individuals with opioid use disorder and co-occurring substance use disorders 5.
- Another study published in 2021 found that learning and memory impairment were highly prevalent in persons with opioid use disorder starting treatment with either methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone 6.