How Many Addiction Treatment Centers Are There in the U.S.?

Addiction Treatment Centers in the U.S. Statistics

Addiction is a serious issue that affects millions of Americans. Fortunately, there are many addiction treatment centers across the United States that provide patients with the care and support they need to overcome their addictions. Here are some statistics about addiction treatment centers in the U.S.:

How Many Addiction Treatment Centers Are There in the U.S.?

• According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there were 14,828 addiction treatment facilities in the United States in 2019.
• Of these facilities, 7,949 were outpatient facilities, 3,784 were residential facilities, and 3,095 were hospital inpatient facilities.
• California had the most addiction treatment facilities of any state, with 1,579. Texas and Florida were second and third, with 1,104 and 907 facilities, respectively.
• The number of addiction treatment facilities in the U.S. has been steadily increasing over time. In 2002, there were 11,533 facilities, compared to the 14,828 facilities in 2019.
• In 2019, approximately 1.3 million people received treatment at these addiction treatment facilities.
• The most commonly treated substance at addiction treatment centers is alcohol, followed by opioids and then marijuana.
• The average cost of a 28-day stay at an addiction treatment center is $20,000.
• Only about 10% of people who need addiction treatment actually receive it.
• The vast majority of addiction treatment facilities in the U.S. (95.1%) offered outpatient services, while only 27.7% offered hospital inpatient services.
• The most common type of treatment offered at addiction treatment centers was counseling (98.5% of facilities), followed by mental health services (89.9%) and medication-assisted treatment (68.9%).
• The number of addiction treatment facilities in the U.S. has been steadily increasing over the past decade. In 2010, there were 12,134 facilities, meaning that the number has increased by over 2,000 in the past decade.
• Despite this increase, there are still many areas of the country where addiction treatment facilities are lacking. Rural areas, in particular, often have limited access to addiction treatment centers.

Total number of substance abuse treatment facilities in the U.S. from 2003 to 2022

• In 2022, there were 17,353 substance abuse treatment facilities in the U.S.
• The number of facilities in 2021 was higher, at 18,615.
• In 2020, there were 16,066 facilities, showing a significant increase from the previous year.
• The year 2019 had 15,961 facilities.
• There were 14,809 substance abuse treatment facilities in 2018.
• The number of facilities in 2017 was 13,585.
• In 2016, there were 14,399 facilities, indicating a fluctuation in the number of centers.
• The year 2015 saw 13,873 facilities.
• There were 14,152 substance abuse treatment facilities in 2014.
• The number remained stable in 2013, with 14,148 facilities.
• In 2012, there were 14,311 facilities.
• The year 2011 had 13,720 facilities.
• There were 13,339 substance abuse treatment facilities in 2010.
• The number of facilities in 2009 was 13,513.
• In 2008, there were 13,688 facilities.
• The year 2007 saw 13,648 facilities.
• There were 13,771 substance abuse treatment facilities in 2006.
• The number of facilities in 2005 was 13,371.
• In 2004, there were 13,454 facilities.
• The year 2003 had 13,623 facilities, marking the beginning of the data range provided.

The Cost of Addiction Treatment in the U.S.: Factors and Variability

• The cost of outpatient addiction treatment programs can range from $1,000 to $10,000 for a 90-day program.
• Inpatient rehab programs can cost between $6,000 and $20,000 for a 30-day program. The price can be higher for luxury rehab centers.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which includes medications like methadone or buprenorphine, can cost between $4,700 and $14,112 annually.
• Detox services, which are often the first step in addiction treatment, can range from $300 to $800 per day.
• Many insurance plans cover some portion of addiction treatment, but the level of coverage can vary significantly.
• Government-funded or sliding scale programs may offer treatment at reduced costs or even for free to those who qualify based on income.
• The economic cost of substance abuse in the U.S., including healthcare, lost productivity, and crime, is estimated to exceed $600 billion annually.

Most Commonly Treated Substances at Addiction Treatment Centers

• Alcohol is the most commonly treated substance, with 76% of treatment centers offering specialized programs for alcohol abuse.
• Opioids are the second most treated substance, with 71% of facilities providing treatment for opioid addiction, including prescription painkillers and heroin.
• Treatment for marijuana use is offered by 61% of facilities, reflecting its prevalence as the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S.
• Cocaine and methamphetamine are also frequently addressed, with 50% of centers treating cocaine addiction and 47% treating methamphetamine use disorders.
• Prescription drug abuse treatment is available at 45% of facilities, targeting medications such as benzodiazepines and stimulants.
• Beyond substance abuse, 34% of treatment centers offer programs for gambling addiction, and 26% provide treatment for sex addiction.
• Dual-diagnosis treatment, for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, is available at 53% of addiction treatment centers.

Read: Groundbreaking Psilocybin Clinical Trials for Addiction Treatment

Treatment Facilities by Operation Type

• Residential facilities, which include both short-term and long-term care options, account for approximately 28% of all treatment centers.
• Hospital inpatient facilities make up about 7% of treatment centers, focusing on the most critical cases of addiction and co-occurring disorders.
• Outpatient facilities are the most common, comprising roughly 65% of all treatment centers, reflecting the demand for flexible treatment schedules that accommodate patients' daily responsibilities.
• Within outpatient services, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are offered by about 58% of these facilities, providing a more rigorous treatment schedule than standard outpatient care.
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), which offer a level of care between inpatient and outpatient services, are available at approximately 21% of outpatient facilities.
• Detoxification services are provided by 17% of residential facilities and 24% of hospital inpatient facilities, which is crucial for managing withdrawal symptoms safely.

Addiction Rates Among Specific Demographics

Addiction rates can vary significantly among different demographics, with certain groups being more vulnerable to addiction than others. Here are some statistics about addiction rates among specific demographics:

• Veterans: The prevalence of substance use disorders among veterans is approximately 1.5 times higher than the general population, with 11% of veterans receiving care at VA health care centers diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
• LGBTQ+ individuals: LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely to have used an illicit drug in the past year compared to heterosexual adults, and they have higher rates of substance use disorders at 30% versus 9% in the general population.
• Pregnant women: An estimated 8.5% of pregnant women report alcohol use, and 4.7% report binge drinking, which can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other pregnancy-related issues.
• Adolescents: Data indicates that 4.9% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 have used an illicit drug in the past month, and 4.7% are current alcohol users. Additionally, 2.5% of adolescents have a prescription drug misuse disorder.

These statistics underscore the need for specialized treatment programs that cater to the specific challenges faced by these demographic groups. Tailored interventions can significantly improve treatment outcomes and support long-term recovery.

Addiction Treatment Success Rates & Evidence-Based Approaches

• Dual-diagnosis treatment, for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, is available at 53% of addiction treatment centers.
• The success rate of addiction treatment programs in the U.S. varies widely depending on several factors, including the type of substance being abused, the severity of the addiction, and individual patient factors.
• According to a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), successful completion rates for addiction treatment programs range from 30% to 60%.
• Evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) have been shown to improve success rates for individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse disorders.

However, it is important to note that addiction is a chronic disease and relapse is common. Ongoing support, including aftercare services such as counseling or peer support groups, can help individuals maintain their sobriety over time.

It is also worth noting that success in addiction treatment is not always measured by complete abstinence from drugs or alcohol. For some individuals, harm reduction strategies that focus on reducing negative consequences associated with substance use may be more appropriate.

Also read: Seeking Addiction Treatment During Pregnancy: Protecting Two Lives

Length of Addiction Treatment Programs

• Residential treatment programs typically range from 28 to 90 days, with some long-term facilities offering programs that last 6 months to a year.
• Outpatient treatment program lengths are highly variable, with some programs offering sessions once a week for several months, while intensive outpatient programs may meet 3 to 5 times a week for 2 to 3 months.
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends that individuals spend at least 90 days in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use.
• Only about 50% of individuals complete their prescribed addiction treatment programs, with completion rates being higher for inpatient programs compared to outpatient ones.
• Aftercare participation rates vary, but studies suggest that ongoing aftercare can reduce relapse rates and support long-term recovery, with some individuals engaging in aftercare services for several years post-treatment.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs

• Inpatient treatment programs have higher completion rates, with about 65% of participants completing the program, compared to 52% for outpatient programs.
• The average cost of inpatient treatment can range from $6,000 to $20,000 for a 30-day program, while outpatient programs can range from $1,000 to $10,000 for a 90-day program.
• Approximately 2.5 million people in the U.S. receive specialized addiction treatment annually, with around 15% attending inpatient facilities and 85% attending outpatient programs.
• Studies suggest that individuals with severe addiction or those with a dual diagnosis are more likely to benefit from inpatient programs due to the intensive care and structured environment.
• Outpatient programs are more commonly used by individuals with milder forms of addiction, those with strong support systems, or those who have completed an inpatient program and are transitioning back into their daily lives.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Addiction Treatment Centers and Patients

• During the pandemic, approximately 43% of addiction treatment centers reported an increase in demand for their services, while simultaneously facing operational challenges.
• Telehealth adoption surged among treatment providers, with over 70% of centers offering some form of telehealth services to continue supporting patients.
• The economic impact of COVID-19 led to a reduction in funding for nearly 30% of addiction treatment centers, causing some to reduce staff or services and others to close down.
• Relapse rates among individuals in recovery increased during the pandemic, with some regions reporting a 20% increase in overdose incidents.
• Virtual support groups and online counseling sessions saw a significant uptick in usage, with a 200% increase in online recovery meetings in some areas.
• Despite the challenges, the pandemic accelerated the integration of digital health solutions in addiction treatment, which may have lasting positive effects on the accessibility of care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addiction treatment in the U.S. is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires continued attention and innovation. While progress has been made in recent years to increase access to care and improve treatment outcomes, there is still much work to be done. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both the vulnerabilities within the addiction treatment system and the potential for digital health solutions to enhance care delivery.

By continuing to prioritize evidence-based approaches, expanding access to care for vulnerable populations, and investing in new technologies, we can continue to make strides towards a future where addiction is no longer a barrier to wellness and recovery.

Sources

• https://www.drugabuse.gov/
• https://www.samhsa.gov/
• https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-detailed-tables
• https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
• https://www.recoveryanswers.org/