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Research & Outcomes

Patient Outcomes Study Results at Ashley

Ashley Addiction Treatment has helped more than 70,000 individuals reclaim their lives from substance use disorder since our founding in 1983. We combine evidence-based clinical care with deep compassion and spiritual grounding. Through our growing research department and academic partnerships—including faculty collaborations with Johns Hopkins—we are shaping a future of recovery that is personalized, measurable, and effective.

See the 2024 Data

Download the Research Outcomes Report

Academic Studies In Progress


Cognitive decline in older adults with alcohol use disorder

Insomnia medication for patients on medication-assisted therapy for opioid use disorder

Safety and efficacy of GLP-1s and Naltrexone in Early recovery

Why It Matters: These cutting-edge studies directly lead to new, improved treatment strategies for the patients we serve today—and those we will serve tomorrow.

How We Move Treatment Forward With Research

DATA COLLECTION

Collect patient reported symptoms, biometrics, treatment outcomes

DESIGN INTERVENTIONS

Identify psychological and physiological therapeutic targets

TEST INTERVENTIONS

Design clinical trials test the efficacy of interventions

REFINE TREATMENT

Refine treatment interventions and subsequent clinical programming

Why Research Matters

At Ashley, research is not an add-on—it’s central to everything we do.

We believe that effective care begins with listening and learning. Measurement is how we listen; research is how we learn—so we can provide better care. It’s how we help people get well sooner—and stay well longer.

Unfortunately, addiction treatment research has long been underfunded and underdeveloped. Too often, treatment has been guided by philosophy rather than science—like treating hypertension without ever checking blood pressure. We’re changing that.

At our core, we are in the knowledge business – we strive to learn, treat, and teach.

— Dr. Eric C. Strain, M.D.Board Member —

Who We Serve

Gender

  • Male (68.69%)
  • Female (30.81%)
  • Non-Binary (0.49%)

Race

  • White (84%)
  • African American (9%)
  • Other (7%)

Drug of Choice

  • Alcohol (75.47%)
  • Opioids (7.99%)
  • Cocaine (6.65%)
  • Marijuana (3.56%)
  • Methamphetamine (1.9%)
  • Heroin
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Stimulants

Addressing Anxiety

Anxiety can feel overwhelming in early recovery, but our data demonstrates that it profoundly improves with treatment. Our comprehensive care model directly addresses anxiety, helping patients manage these symptoms effectively so they can fully engage in building a healthy, lasting recovery.

Anxiety can significantly interfere with the healing process in recovery. Our findings confirm that at Ashley, anxiety gets demonstrably better. We use this real-time information to tailor care, helping each individual find relief, stay actively engaged in treatment, and develop the emotional resilience vital for long-term recovery.

High Prevalence at Intake: Most patients reported clinically significant anxiety at admission, with the highest levels among young adults (18-25: 85.44%).

BASELINE PROPORTION OF EACH AGE GROUP
WITH HIGH SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY

WEEK 4 PROPORTION OF EACH AGE GROUP
WITH HIGH SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY

Consistent Treatment Effect Across Ages: By Week 4, anxiety prevalence fell to ~9-23% across all age groups, representing 74-85% relative reductions.

Older Adults Show Greatest Proportional Relief: Patients 55+ dropped from 59.53% to 8.93% (an
85% reduction), demonstrating particularly strong gains in this age group.

Key Findings At 3 Months Post Discharge

Sustained Well-being

Patients reported consistently high levels of life satisfaction (78%) and quality of life (82%) (scores above 7 on a VAS 0-10), suggesting continued adaptation to their sober lifestyle.

Engagement in Recovery Support

A substantial number of patients maintained active involvement in recovery support: 80% reported having a sponsor, 61% participated in 12- step programs, and 50% engaged in routine individual therapy.

Abstinence Rates

A significant proportion of patients reported maintaining complete abstinence from their primary substance: 81.44% for primary alcohol and 85.92% for primary drug use disorders.

View The Entire Outcomes Report

To learn more about Ashley’s research programs, recent publications, and outcomes studies please contact us through the form below.

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