Why the early stages of recovery are so important

_{Illustration: Chris Gash}

Addiction recovery patients are most susceptible to relapse immediately following treatment. With the structured support of a peer living community, however, their chances of long-term success improve dramatically.

Why you should know: More than 70,000 people died from drug overdose in 2019, according to the NIH. This number is expected to rise when the 2020 data is released, a tragic result of the social isolation and economic instability caused by COVID-19.

The data says: Behavioral change is essential in the early stages of recovery, when patients must relearn behavior that promotes long-term sobriety. Recovery house residents have a much better chance of success than patients who return to previous living situations following treatment:

• In a study of roughly 900 Oxford House recovery home residents in more than 200 locations, only 13% relapsed in their first 12 months of recovery, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).
• In a study that tracked 150 patients randomly assigned to Oxford Houses or usual care conditions, Oxford House residents relapsed at a rate of 33% over two years, according to the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA). Patients who returned to usual care conditions relapsed at a rate of 66%.

Driving progress: Leidos has teamed up with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens to support Oxford Houses in the city of Baltimore, across Maryland and in Delaware. Through the relationship, Oxford House residents will receive resources and supplies to help reduce stress and mitigate relapse triggers during early recovery.

“COVID-19 has accelerated substance misuse in our communities," said Roger Krone, Leidos Chairman and CEO. "We hope these resources will promote long-term success for those on the road to recovery."

Please contact the Leidos media relations team for more.