A new federal report found that by 2023, 48.5 million Americans ages 12 and older suffered from a substance use disorder (SUD). Only 4.5% of this group received treatment for their condition.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identified this discrepancy in its newly released 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
A lack of understanding of the importance of treating a substance use disorder may contribute to so many people not receiving treatment for their disorder: Nearly 95% of adults with a substance use disorder who did not seek treatment did not believe they needed treatment.
Because SAMHSA has significantly revised the questions used in the survey, the agency cannot compare the results of this year’s report with those of previous years.
Stigma can be a major barrier for patients seeking treatment for addiction. It can prevent people from starting or continuing treatment with life-saving medications like buprenorphine and methadone.
Adults who felt they needed treatment but did not seek it cited three main reasons for their decision. Nearly three-quarters felt they should be able to manage their own alcohol or drug use, 65% believed they were not yet ready to start treatment, and 60% felt they were not yet ready to stop or reduce their alcohol or drug use.
Certain treatment methods were more popular among treatment seekers than others.
Outpatient services were the most commonly used: In 2023, 9.8 million people aged 12 and over received these services. More than 80% of these people received outpatient treatment outside of a general medical clinic or doctor’s office.
Investors and payers are increasingly favoring outpatient services because of their accessibility and affordability. At the same time, inpatient and outpatient care options are struggling to attract enough patients and there is resistance from payers.
The survey also found that four million people received telemedicine treatment, 3.5 million received inpatient treatment, 2.3 million received MAT for opioid use, and 1.1 million received MAT for alcohol use.
People with SUDs also receive other services that go beyond traditional treatment options.
Nearly 6 million people attended a support group, 2.3 million received help from a peer support specialist or recovery coach, and 1.2 million people received detoxification or withdrawal assistance. In addition, 1.9 million people visited the emergency room because of their substance use disorder.
Some of these services are becoming increasingly common in the SUD industry. Peer support specialists have proven to be cost-effective, and organizations that offer peer support may have an advantage when it comes to entering into value-based agreements with payers.
Companies specializing in peer support have also raised significant sums. Virtual peer support startup Marigold Health, for example, raised $11 million in its Series A funding round in June.
