How Many Addiction Treatment Centers Exist in the U.S?

Discover how many addiction treatment centers are in the U.S., their distribution, challenges, and impact.

James Ekbatini

April 28, 2024

How Many Addiction Treatment Centers Exist in the U.S Statistics

Here are the top 10 key statistics regarding the number of addiction treatment centers in the U.S.:

The estimated number of substance abuse treatment facilities in the U.S. was 14,149 as of March 2018.
The JAMA Network reported 11,709 licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities in the U.S. between 2010 and 2021.
In 2017, an estimated 20.7 million Americans needed treatment for substance use disorders, while only 2.5 million received specialized substance use treatment.
California had approximately 1,800 treatment facilities, making it one of the states with the highest number of centers.
Florida followed closely with around 1,200 treatment facilities.
Texas had an estimated 950 treatment centers.
New York and Pennsylvania had approximately 900 and 800 treatment facilities, respectively.
The addiction treatment industry in the U.S. generates around $42 billion annually.
The number of licensed SUD treatment facilities increased from 11,709 in 2010 to 14,149 in 2018.
The proportion of counties with SUD treatment facilities that accepted Medicare as a form of payment rose from 41.2% in 2010 to 53.8% in 2021.

Overview of Addiction Treatment Centers

When discussing the topic of addiction treatment centers, it's important to understand two key aspects: the need for these centers and their accessibility.

Need for Treatment Centers

The need for addiction treatment centers in the United States is substantial. In 2017, it was estimated that 20.7 million Americans needed treatment for substance use disorders. Unfortunately, only a fraction of these individuals, approximately 2.5 million, received specialized substance use treatment from addiction treatment facilities [1].

This suggests that there is a significant gap between the demand for addiction treatment and the capacity of current treatment facilities. Fewer than half of addicted persons in the United States receive the treatment they need. This underlines the pressing need for more addiction treatment centers to cater to the millions of Americans struggling with substance use disorders.

Accessibility of Treatment Centers

As for accessibility, it's important to note that addiction treatment centers are distributed throughout the United States to ensure individuals in various regions have access to necessary support. As of March 2018, estimates suggested that there were around 14,149 substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States.

However, the densities of treatment centers vary across states and regions, indicating that accessibility may not be uniform across the country. This could potentially impact the reach and effectiveness of treatment services, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of addiction but a low density of treatment centers.

In conclusion, while there are numerous addiction treatment centers in the U.S., the demand for treatment services far outstrips the current capacity. Efforts to increase the number, reach, and accessibility of these centers are necessary to ensure that those in need of treatment can access the help they need.

Statistics on Addiction Treatment Centers

Understanding the quantity and impact of addiction treatment centers is crucial to addressing the ongoing substance abuse crisis in the U.S. This section delves into the estimated number of these facilities in the country and the revenue they generate.

Estimated Number in the U.S.

The substance abuse treatment landscape in the U.S. is vast but still insufficient to meet the needs of the population. According to estimates from Arista Recovery, there were 14,149 substance abuse treatment facilities in the U.S. as of March 2018.

The JAMA Network provided a lower estimate of 11,709 licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities in the U.S. between 2010 and 2021.

Nonetheless, both figures indicate a significant gap when considering the number of Americans needing treatment. According to American Addiction Centers, in 2017, an estimated 20.7 million Americans needed treatment for substance use disorders, but only 2.5 million received specialized substance use treatment.

Year	Estimated Number of Centers
2010-2021	11,709
March 2018	14,149

Revenue Generated

Despite the shortfall in the number of facilities compared to the demand, the addiction treatment industry in the U.S. generates significant revenue. Arista Recovery estimates that the industry generates around $42 billion annually.

This figure, however, underscores the complexity of the substance abuse crisis and the financial implications of providing necessary treatment. It also underscores the economic potential of increasing access to treatment, which could lead to more people receiving the help they need while also contributing to the economy.

Year	Estimated Revenue (in billions)
Annual	42

Notably, these figures reflect the existing capacity of addiction treatment centers and indicate a significant disparity between the need for treatment and the available resources. Future efforts should focus on expanding the capacity of treatment centers to meet the actual demand.

Distribution of Treatment Centers

The distribution of addiction treatment centers in the U.S. is a key aspect of understanding the accessibility and reach of these critical health services.

Densities Across States

Estimates suggest that there were 14,149 substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States in March 2018 [2]. These facilities are distributed throughout the country to ensure individuals in various regions have access to necessary support. However, the densities of treatment centers vary across states and regions. Some states have a higher concentration of treatment centers due to factors like population density, prevalence of substance abuse, and availability of funding for these services.

State	Number of Treatment Facilities
California	1,800
Florida	1,200
Texas	950
New York	900
Pennsylvania	800

It's important to note that these numbers are estimates and can fluctuate depending on factors such as funding, legislation, and the evolving needs of the population.

Efforts for Accessibility

The distribution of addiction treatment centers across the U.S. is indicative of efforts to make these services accessible to as many individuals as possible. Despite the challenges in pinning down exact numbers due to varying sources and definitions, the presence of these centers across the country underscores the importance of accessible addiction treatment services [2].

Efforts to increase accessibility include the establishment of new treatment facilities, expansion of existing ones, and development of outreach programs to reach underserved communities. However, despite these efforts, disparities in access remain, particularly in rural areas and among certain demographic groups.

In conclusion, the distribution of addiction treatment centers in the U.S. reflects ongoing efforts to address the widespread issue of substance abuse. However, further work is needed to ensure these services are accessible to all individuals who need them, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Challenges and Disparities

In the landscape of addiction treatment centers in the U.S., various challenges and disparities exist. These differences in treatment availability and quality become particularly apparent when comparing rural and urban centers. Equally important are the disparities in treatment quality across different regions and facilities.

Rural vs. Urban Centers

A comparison of rural and urban addiction treatment centers reveals some striking disparities. According to a study published by NCBI, rural centers often have less access to highly educated counselors and offer fewer wraparound services. They also present less diverse specialized treatment options.

Moreover, these rural centers are more likely to operate as nonprofit entities and depend heavily on public funding. Interestingly, they are less likely to prescribe buprenorphine as part of their treatment. This medication is often used in the management of opioid addiction. On the other hand, rural centers are more likely to employ nursing staff and offer specialized treatment for adolescents.

The disparities between rural and urban centers underscore the need for more investment and resources in rural areas to improve the quality and diversity of addiction treatment services.

Treatment Quality Disparities

More broadly, disparities also exist in the quality of treatment offered by different addiction treatment centers across the U.S. This variation in quality can be influenced by a range of factors, including the level of funding received by the facility, the qualifications of the staff, and the specific treatment methods used.

The level of licensing also plays a critical role in treatment quality. According to the JAMA Network, the number of licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities in the U.S. was 11,709 between 2010 and 2021.

Another key factor shaping treatment quality is the acceptance of different forms of payment. For example, in 2010, only 32.1% of SUD treatment facilities accepted Medicare as a form of payment, compared to 41.9% in 2021 [3].

The disparities in treatment quality highlight the need for greater scrutiny and regulation of addiction treatment centers. Ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality treatment, regardless of their location or financial situation, is a crucial step towards addressing the addiction crisis in the U.S.

Individuals Served Annually

Understanding the population served by addiction treatment centers provides insights into the scope and scale of substance use disorders in the United States. This section analyses the number of individuals served annually by these centers and explores the gap between the demand for and the capacity of these facilities to provide treatment.

Number of People Served

The number of individuals served annually by addiction treatment centers in the United States is significant. In 2017, approximately 2.5 million people aged 12 and older received specialty substance use treatment. This figure represents a large proportion of the over 2 million Americans who seek help for substance abuse issues each year from various treatment centers across the country.

Year	Number of People Served
2017	2.5 million

Demand vs. Capacity Gap

While the number of individuals served is substantial, it represents only a fraction of those in need of treatment. An estimated 20.7 million Americans needed treatment for substance use disorders in 2017, yet only 2.5 million received specialized substance use treatment. This suggests a significant gap between the demand for addiction treatment and the capacity of current treatment facilities.

Year	Number in Need of Treatment	Number who Received Treatment
2017	20.7 million	2.5 million

According to Arista Recovery, fewer than half of addicted persons in the United States receive the treatment they need. This gap underlines the critical need for increased capacity in addiction treatment centers to adequately meet the demand.

This demand and capacity gap emphasizes the scale of the challenge and the need to address the issues related to the number of addiction treatment centers in the United States. The availability of these facilities and their capacity to serve those in need are pivotal in combating substance use disorders nationwide.

Licensing and Payment Acceptance

Understanding the licensing status and payment acceptance practices of addiction treatment centers is a critical component in appreciating the state of recovery options in the U.S.

Licensed Facilities Overview

As of 2021, the United States is home to 11,709 licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities [3]. These licensed facilities are spread across the nation, providing crucial services to individuals grappling with addiction.

Payment Trends

The trends in payment acceptance at SUD treatment facilities have also evolved over time. In 2010, only 32.1% of such facilities accepted Medicare as a form of payment, compared to 41.9% in 2021. This represents a significant increase, indicating a greater accessibility of treatment for Medicare beneficiaries [3].

However, the most commonly accepted form of payment by SUD treatment facilities from 2010 to 2021 was cash, with 91.0% accepting cash in 2010 and 91.6% in 2021. This persistence of cash acceptance shows that while there have been improvements in the acceptance of insurance, a substantial portion of the cost burden remains directly on the patient.

Year	Medicare	Cash
2010	32.1%	91.0%
2021	41.9%	91.6%

Additionally, the proportion of counties with SUD treatment facilities that accepted Medicare as a form of payment increased from 41.2% in 2010 to 53.8% in 2021. This increase offers a promising sign of the growing accessibility to treatment for individuals relying on Medicare.

In 2021, approximately 57.0% of Medicare beneficiaries lived within a 15-minute driving distance from a SUD treatment facility that accepted Medicare as a form of payment. This percentage was higher for individuals with Medicaid (73.2%), private insurance (69.8%), and cash payment (71.4%).

Payment Method	Percentage within 15-minute drive
Medicare	57.0%
Medicaid	73.2%
Private Insurance	69.8%
Cash	71.4%

These statistics offer a snapshot of the current landscape of SUD treatment centers in the U.S., shedding light on the accessibility, affordability, and convenience of these vital services.

Growth and Accessibility

The growth and accessibility of addiction treatment centers in the U.S. are essential factors in addressing the widespread issue of addiction. This section explores the changes in the number of treatment centers over time, and their geographical proximity to those needing support.

Changes Over Time

As the necessity for addiction treatment services continues to grow, so does the number of treatment centers. Estimates suggest that there were 14,149 substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States as of March 2018. This number, however, can vary due to different sources and definitions used to determine what constitutes a treatment center.

As the understanding of addiction evolves and the demand for services increases, the number of treatment centers is expected to rise. However, it's important to note that fewer than half of individuals struggling with addiction in the U.S. receive the treatment they need. This suggests a significant gap between the demand for addiction treatment and the capacity of current treatment facilities [2].

Proximity to Facilities

Addiction treatment centers are distributed throughout the United States to ensure individuals in various regions have access to necessary support. The densities of these treatment centers, however, vary across states and regions [2].

In order to provide effective treatment, it's essential that these facilities are accessible to those in need. This means understanding the geographical distribution of individuals struggling with addiction and ensuring there are adequate treatment centers in those areas.

More work may be necessary to ensure that treatment centers are not just numerous, but also strategically located. The goal is to ensure that those in need have reasonable access to these facilities, regardless of where they live.

Despite the significant number of addiction treatment centers, accessibility remains a challenge. Continued efforts are needed to strategically increase the number and distribution of these facilities, in order to effectively address addiction in the U.S.

Impact of Payment Acceptance

The acceptance of different payment methods by addiction treatment centers can significantly impact their accessibility and utilization. This section will explore the trends in Medicare acceptance by these centers and the driving distance to these facilities for individuals with different types of payment methods.

Medicare Acceptance Trends

In 2010, only 32.1% of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities accepted Medicare as a form of payment. Over the years, this figure has seen an increase, with 41.9% of these facilities accepting Medicare in 2021.

Despite the increase in Medicare acceptance, cash payment remains the most commonly accepted form of payment by SUD treatment facilities. In 2010, 91.0% of facilities accepted cash, a figure that slightly increased to 91.6% in 2021.

The proportion of counties with SUD treatment facilities that accepted Medicare as a form of payment also saw an increase, from 41.2% in 2010 to 53.8% in 2021.

Year	% of Facilities Accepting Medicare	% of Facilities Accepting Cash	% of Counties with Facilities Accepting Medicare
2010	32.1	91.0	41.2
2021	41.9	91.6	53.8

Driving Distance to Facilities

The proximity of these treatment centers to individuals in need also plays a crucial role in their accessibility. In 2021, approximately 57.0% of Medicare beneficiaries lived within a 15-minute driving distance from an SUD treatment facility that accepted Medicare as a form of payment [3].

This percentage was higher for individuals with other types of payment methods. About 73.2% of individuals with Medicaid, 69.8% with private insurance, and 71.4% with cash payment lived within a 15-minute drive from these facilities.

Payment Method	% of Individuals Within 15-Minute Drive (2021)
Medicare	57.0
Medicaid	73.2
Private Insurance	69.8
Cash	71.4

These trends underscore the importance of payment acceptance in influencing the accessibility and reach of addiction treatment centers across the United States.