Which are commonly used outcome measures to evaluate SUD treatment effectiveness?

• A. Retention in treatment; abstinence rates; improvements in functioning; fewer hospitalizations; progress metrics
• B. Reduction in days of use only; no other metrics
• C. Retention in treatment; reduction in days of use; abstinence rates; improvements in functioning (employment, housing); fewer hospitalizations; improved psychosocial functioning
• D. Abstinence rates alone.

Answer: (C)

Measuring success in SUD treatment requires capturing multiple dimensions of change: staying engaged in treatment, changes in substance use, and improvements in daily life and health. The best answer combines these areas: retention in treatment; reduction in days of use; abstinence rates; improvements in functioning (such as employment and housing); fewer hospitalizations; and improved psychosocial functioning. This comprehensive set reflects that recovery isn’t only about stopping use or staying in a program, but also about real-life improvements and healthier patterns of living. Days of use can be tracked alongside retention to show progress even before full abstinence is achieved, while functioning and hospitalizations demonstrate the broader impact on a person’s life and health. The other options are too narrow, focusing on single metrics or vague “progress” alone, and miss the full picture of recovery.