Drug Treatment Market Continues to Grow

It’s unfortunately obvious that our country is facing significant challenges with substance abuse. Drugs are running rampant, causing physical, mental, and emotional harm. Thankfully, resources and abuse treatments are on the rise, opening the doors for new beginnings for addicts.

The Crisis

Drugs are not a new issue in America, or many other countries around the world. Substance abuse has been tearing families and friendships apart for decades. As addiction rates continue their upward trend, more and more people are growing concerned about the future of our society in which so many people fall victim to the rushes and highs associated with drug and alcohol abuse.

In 2016, there were 63,632 overdose deaths in the U.S. This is a crazy high number that is sadly on track to be even higher for 2018 as the opioid epidemic reaches new heights.

In today’s world, addiction spans from hardcore street drugs like heroin and methamphetamine to the prescription pills meant to protect us from pain. Substance abuse raises many problems for our country by costing millions and killing thousands.

More and more people are becoming addicted to drugs as it’s now easier than ever to get your hands on illicit substances. Addiction can wreak havoc on the lives of drug and alcohol users and their families.

Consistent drug and alcohol use, coupled with the prevalence of health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mental illness, have resulted in a significant economic burden for our country.

In an effort to control this burgeoning problem, the U.S. government is supporting the growth of the substance abuse treatment market by urging early intervention programs and healthy prevention plans. Now, the market of inpatient drug rehab centers and treatment programs is expanding considerably.

Treatment Market

At the end of the day, the only way to survive drug abuse is to go through the rehabilitation and recovery process. Otherwise, eventually the drugs will claim another life and cut short what could have been a long and happy life.

If addicts want to make it out alive and get on the path to a better life, they will have to seek professional medical help. As drug use rises, so does the need for treatment and medications to help those with addictions. In fact, the need is so great that the U.S. Substance Abuse Treatment Market is growing at an unprecedented rate.

Now, new studies show the market for drug and alcohol abuse treatment is expected to reach a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% from 2016 to 2024. This essentially means that the market is expanding and growing, and treatment providers and companies should see continued success.

The presence and prominence of rehab programs makes it possible for thousands of struggling addicts to get the help they need. As more and more people need help, the demand for treatment options only increases. In 2015, the treatment market was worth an estimated $4.42 billion, but with the projected CAGR of 12.4%, it will skyrocket to a value of $12.43 billion by the time 2024 is over. Now, it’s up to treatment centers and rehabilitation options to make a difference.

These numbers demonstrate the growing importance of treatment options in a country that is riddled with drug abuse and addiction. In 2015, 10.1% of the population over the age of 12 had used illicit drugs at least once a month. Advocates and health officials worry that these numbers could be rising alongside the opioid epidemic.

Continued Growth

There are many reasons why the drug treatment market is expanding at such a rapid rate. First and foremost, there’s the fact that more and more people are using drugs and developing addictions, resulting in a greater need for treatment options. Then there’s the fact that, out of all substance abuse, drug users are the ones most likely to try treatment. This makes sense, because rehab is really the only way out for addicted people unless they want to succumb to their addiction. Every hit and dose could be the final one.

Sometimes, drug users get scared by a near-death experience with an overdose, and they decide they want to try and get better. There are rehabilitation programs and treatment centers popping up in every corner of the country, as it seems that right now, drug addiction is a growing problem.

In America, nicotine addiction, alcohol dependence, and opioid addiction are the most prevalent types of substance abuse. Treatment programs for these particular addictions are also the most common, as they are the most sought-after options.

Rehabilitation programs that target nicotine, alcohol, and opioid dependence play a valuable role in our society as they give addicts a second chance at life. With proper treatment methods, a drug user who was once on death’s door can achieve great things and make a difference as a functioning member of society.

Variety of Options

Everybody is different and has a certain preference when it comes to treatment and medical attention and advice. That’s why there is a variety of options for substance abuse treatment, and every person may find they prefer one over the other.

Outpatient treatment centers give patients more freedom to continue with their everyday responsibilities, such as work and family. In this treatment plan, the patient participates in a daily program that allows them to go home afterwards. This way, they don’t need to explain prolonged absences to family, friends and coworkers.

Therapy and counseling play a huge role in outpatient treatment, and patients can go home each day to share with their loved ones what they learned and begin applying these lessons to everyday life.

The major downside of outpatient treatment centers is that patients need to have strong self-control and resolve to keep from using drugs or alcohol again. Because they are not isolated their substance of choice will be more readily accessible in the outside world.

It’s up to the patient to build their determination and dedication to their recovery and stop from giving in to use again. Many patients are successful in their outpatient programs, so long as they have the support they need to stay away from the substances they once abused.

In comparison, residential or inpatient treatment centers provide a more isolated experience to minimize the urge to use again and help people start completely fresh.

In this setting, patients stay for a minimum of 28 days inside a safe, secure location where intensive treatment awaits. Here, relapse is not a possibility because patients have no access to the outside world where the drugs or alcohol are readily available. For those who struggled in outpatient programs, inpatient centers may help them achieve the success they so badly need.

If needed, patients can undergo detox and treatment for withdrawal in residential programs. They will then participate in an intensive, daily treatment plans where they learn about the disease of addiction and how to fight back. 

Much-Needed Help

As the treatment market continues to grow, we’ll see more options for drug rehabilitation and recovery. All professional treatment can make a lifesaving difference— it just depends on the person and their needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, inpatient drug rehab centers and other treatment options can help. It’s always better to seek professional medical help and attention rather than try quitting cold turkey on your own.