Recovery Brands Finds Disconnect in Consumers' Pre- and Post-Addiction Treatment Preferences

Study shows long-term recovery benefits from bridging preferences gap

News provided by

Recovery Brands

Jun 22, 2016, 08:00 ET

SAN DIEGO, June 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Recovery Brands announced new data revealing a need for greater consumer education on the addiction treatment process. In lieu of standardized outcomes measurements in the addiction treatment industry, the study examined how people are making decisions about their care, and to what degree these decisions value impactful components of successful treatment. The findings show a disconnect between what potential clients think they want, what is impactful to the recovery process, and what treatment providers include in marketing materials.

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This graph displays consumer preferences before and after treatment in relation to six core categories of information seen on a treatment-related website. The ratings are based on a 5 point scale: 1=Very Unimportant, 2=Somewhat Unimportant, 3=Neither Important nor Unimportant, 4=Somewhat Important, and 5=Very Important. The measurable difference between pre- and post-treatment client preferences is referred to as a 'preference gap'. …
This graph displays consumer preferences before and after treatment in relation to six core categories of information seen on a treatment-related website. The ratings are based on a 5 point scale: 1=Very Unimportant, 2=Somewhat Unimportant, 3=Neither Important nor Unimportant, 4=Somewhat Important, and 5=Very Important. The measurable difference between pre- and post-treatment client preferences is referred to as a 'preference gap'. …
This graph displays consumer preferences before and after treatment specifically in relation to facility offering information seen on a treatment-related website. The ratings are based on a 5 point scale: 1=Very Unimportant, 2=Somewhat Unimportant, 3=Neither Important nor Unimportant, 4=Somewhat Important, and 5=Very Important. The measurable difference between pre- and post-treatment client preferences is referred to as a 'preference gap'. …
This graph displays consumer preferences before and after treatment specifically in relation to facility offering information seen on a treatment-related website. The ratings are based on a 5 point scale: 1=Very Unimportant, 2=Somewhat Unimportant, 3=Neither Important nor Unimportant, 4=Somewhat Important, and 5=Very Important. The measurable difference between pre- and post-treatment client preferences is referred to as a 'preference gap'. …

The study surveyed both prospective treatment patients as well as treatment alumni. Each respondent group was asked to evaluate the importance of having access to 28 different pieces of information when visiting a treatment-related website. These 28 different pieces of information were categorized into six overarching themes: organizational status, staff, facility offerings, residential policies, financial policies, and audio/visual features. While values aligned in certain areas such as 'financial policies' or 'staff', there were significant gaps in others, most notably, 'facility offerings.' In looking further at specific variables of the facility offerings category, prospective clients heavily undervalued aspects rated highly by individuals that have completed treatment: group counseling, facility amenities, and recreation and activities, respectively.

"This was a really important area for us to investigate, because it greatly impacts how people are searching for and experiencing treatment. There aren't any global indicators by which people can say, 'OK, this is what constitutes a quality, successful treatment program. I should look for these things'," said Ruchi Sanghani, director of research at Recovery Brands. "Because of this, consumers end up relying on external information to determine what will be most valuable to their satisfaction and ultimate recovery outcome. We needed to look at whether that information aligns with elements of the treatment process that consumers later find helpful in the recovery journey."

Given that prospective clients are undervaluing important aspects of treatment, there is a need for increased education at the onset of the decision-making process. In the healthcare space in particular, it is critical that providers understand how the process of treatment shifts values or preferences, and utilize this information to adequately prepare and shape expectations for treatment. By educating consumers on the treatment process and key influencers in the recovery journey, it will foster environments in which clients are forming opinions and preferences that are in-line with best treatment practices, thus significantly impacting treatment adherence and long-term recovery.

For more information about Recovery Brands' research efforts, visit: http://recoverybrands.com/research/

About Recovery Brands
Recovery Brands, LLC owns and operates leading addiction treatment websites, providing resources to millions of people struggling with addiction to help facilitate informed decisions about treatment options and facilities. Its portfolio of authority websites, including Rehabs.com and Recovery.org, provides online directories, rehab reviews, forums and professional communities that have supported countless families in their decisions to pursue recovery. Treatment providers leverage its marketing platform to elevate their online brands through paid media packages across its network. Recovery Brands is now operating as part of Sober Media Group, LLC, a digital media arm of American Addiction Centers.

For more information, visit RecoveryBrands.com or follow @RecoveryBrands.

Press Contact:
Ashton Tupper
PR Manager
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160621/382121 
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160621/382122 

SOURCE Recovery Brands

Related Links

http://www.recoverybrands.com

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