To this end, the Butler Center for Research at Hazelden has launched a series of research studies to identify "milestones of recovery"-behaviors or attitudes occurring with predictability during the recovery process that signal a positive prognosis.

Studies conducted thus far:

• In-treatment Milestones Study: Patient interviews identified behavioral and attitudinal changes that indicated progress in treatment.
• Alumni focus groups identified significant events in the first 18 months of recovery.
• Pathway Project: Seven stages of recovery and a grid of expected milestones were conceptualized by staff.
• Milestone Outcome Study: A large quantitative study of adults and youth in the year after discharge further defined milestones in recovery. Portions of data were shared at national research conferences and published in the March 2003 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

Current research projects:

• Refinement of the milestones model
• Development of severity and recovery indices
• Continued research into post-primary methods to improve outcomes using the identified milestones