Addiction, clinically referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic mental health disorder that is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It is characterized by “loss of control over substance use, leading to compulsive use despite negative and at times devastating consequences.” An individual struggling with addiction will prioritize satisfying his or her cravings above all else, and as drugs or alcohol become one’s central focus, he or she will demonstrate a preference for these substances over relationships, school, work, and more, which can adversely affect every facet of one’s life.
Data from 2022 presented by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, indicate that addiction affects over 20 million Americans aged 12 and older. To support the rise in addiction rates, additional treatment options are continuously developed and implemented. Still, the typical treatment process for substance use disorder is comprised of three stages in sequential order: the detox stage, formal treatment program, and aftercare. There are certain unpleasant aspects of the drug addiction industry that remain under wraps. Some of the most common harmful habits of the drug addiction industry that no one talks about include:
- Getting ripped off: Treatment programs can be excessively costly, and according to a peer-reviewed study, published in the February, 2021 issue of the journal Health Affairs, many for-profit rehab programs charged inflated fees.
- Patient brokering: The federal laws prohibiting commissions for patient referrals are lacking, and as a result, patients have turned into commodities. Brokers are used to lure people struggling with addiction into treatment centers by enticing them with free travel and health care, spa-like accommodations, free rent, gift cards, etc.
- Ill-equipped programs that do not provide proper care: The disorganized role of doctors, physician assistants, and other trained medical professionals in addiction care arena enables some addiction treatment programs to get by with providing ambiguous medical treatment. Additionally, evaluating a patient’s actual medical need may become secondary to ensuring their attendance.
- Excessive consumer billing and insurance fraud: Exorbitant amounts of money are charged for drug testing during treatment, or people are being drug tested more frequently than necessary. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation identifies other disturbing trends along these lines, such as “labs and doctors getting kickbacks from treatment programs and sober homes for fraudulent tests billed to insurers, and a greater number of rehab centers and sober homes that own their own testing labs.”
- A lack of standards: National Public Radio (NPR) stated that according to academics, recovery advocates, and government officials, roughly half the states in America provide little or no meaningful oversight over the drug addiction industry.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction, we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792. You are also welcomed to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
