Research Methods LaShanda McMahon University of Phoenix Formulating the Problem Statement and the Purpose Statement Over the past decade, there have been several changes in drug addiction treatment that has shown results that show reduced associated health and social costs by more than the cost of the treatments. It has been found that treatments cost much less that the alternatives, such as incarcerating people with addictions. There are many savings related to healthcare, which includes, total savings that can exceed costs with a ratio of 12 to 1. Major savings to the individual and to society also stems from fewer interpersonal conflicts; greater workplace productivity; and fewer drug-related accidents, including overdoses and deaths (Woody, M.D., 2018). Problem Statement A common misperception is detoxification cures the addiction, yet addiction is a chronic disorder requiring long term multimodal treatment (Korsmeyer et al., 2009. Long-term treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders might reduce recidivism rates and lessen costs for rehabilitation. Goldstein, A. (1997). examined the benefits of long-term substance abuse and posited the benefits. Goldstein further suggested not treating addiction appropriately or at all contributes to the high costs associated with substance use in the United States. Insurance companies are reluctant to support long term substance abuse treatment; however, Weisner, Ray, Mertens, Satre and Moore (2003) noted patients receiving a minimum of six months substance treatment abstained from drug and alcohol use at least five years after treatment yet abusers of alcohol were less likely to remain sober for lengthy periods of time after treatment (Weisner et al., 2003). According to the National Drug Institute (2012), every dollar invested in substance abuse treatment yields a return of $5.50 in reduced drug-related crime, costs associated with criminal justice, and theft. Healthcare savings can exceed costs by a 12 to 1 ratio. Therefore, drug addiction treatment reduces costs associated with primary care and is less costly than incarceration. Addressing addiction also contributes to the more positive aspects of life, such as increase in work productivity, and fewer incidents related to drug use, fewer overdoses and deaths. Purpose Statement The purpose of this correlational study is to see if a relationship exists among periods of sobriety and four levels of substance abuse treatment. The research will examine substance abuse treatment throughout various levels of care: higher levels (detox, Inpatient (IP), and Residential (RTC) and lower levels (partial hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and routine Outpatient (OP). Current trends in substance abuse treatment provides evidence that length of treatment is inadequate contributing to more frequent relapses among substance abusers. Longer treatment options for addiction may reduce the number of relapses, reduce costs asso.