Statistics on Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Rates in the US


In This Article
Drug addiction is a pervasive issue in the United States, affecting millions of people and their families. Despite the high prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs), many people struggle to access and receive effective treatment.
Let’s explore the current state of drug addiction treatment and recovery rates in the US through noteworthy statistics and trends.
Key Statistics on Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery
The following statistics underscore the significant challenges and progress in addressing drug addiction in the United States:
- In 2022, an estimated 54.6 million people aged 12 and older needed treatment for a substance use disorder, but only 26% received any help.
- According to a 2020 study by the CDC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 75% of people who experience addiction eventually recover.
- The relapse rate for substance use disorders is estimated to be between 40% and 60%, which is comparable to other chronic diseases like hypertension and asthma.
- Among the 22.3 million Americans in recovery, 17% successfully recovered through support services.

Treatment Rates and Barriers to Treatment and Recovery
Learning about the rates of treatment and the barriers to seeking help is crucial for improving access to care and support for those with SUDs.
Treatment Rates
Despite the widespread prevalence of substance use disorders, the statistics regarding treatment rates paint a sobering picture. The gap between those needing help and those receiving it remains alarmingly wide.
In 2022:
- Only 12.2% of people aged 12 years and over who needed substance use treatment received treatment at a specialty facility in the past 12 months.
- Around 2.4 million Americans aged 12 or older underwent addiction treatment that utilized medications for opioid use.
- Approximately 4.3 million received treatment for alcohol use disorder.
- Less than 42% of people who enter treatment for drug and alcohol use complete it.
Barriers to Treatment
Over 95% of afflicted people don’t see the need for treatment despite the negative impacts on their lives, often due to denial of the problem. Other barriers to treatment include:
- Financial limitations and lack of insurance coverage are major barriers
- Stigma, fear of judgment, and concerns about confidentiality.
- Lack of access to quality rehabilitation programs
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Success Rates of Treatment Methods
The success rates of various drug addiction treatment methods vary, depending on factors such as the type of treatment, circumstances, and duration of the intervention.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT is a highly effective treatment that utilizes medications like methadone and buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.
- Up to 90% of people who receive this support are less likely to use drugs after two years compared to those who do not receive treatment.
- MAT has also been shown to reduce deaths from opioid addiction by 50% or more.
Behavioral Therapies and Support Programs
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) have been shown to reduce substance use and improve treatment outcomes.
- Residential programs have a success rate of about 60% for patients who stay in treatment for at least 90 days or complete programs with a planned duration of less than 90 days.
- Outpatient drug-free programs have a higher success rate of about 73% for patients who stay in treatment for at least 90 days or complete shorter planned programs.
- The 12-step approach, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), has limited evidence supporting its success rate, with estimates suggesting that only 5-8% of people who attend AA successfully maintain abstinence.

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Recovery Rates and Trends
Recovery from drug addiction is a long-term process, with notable trends and challenges observed over the past decade.
Recovery Rates
- Overall, 75% of people who experience addiction eventually recover, according to a 2020 study by the CDC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Support systems, including family, peer support groups, and community recovery centers, play a crucial role in recovery, with 17% of Americans in recovery successfully recovering through support services.
- Recovery is often a long-term process. Even with high-quality treatment and medical care, it typically takes about eight years or longer to achieve long-term remission.
Trends and Challenges
- Over the past decade, there has been a significant gap between those needing treatment and those receiving it, with ongoing barriers to access and affordability.
- Relapse rates for substance use disorders remain high, estimated to be between 40% and 60%, highlighting the chronic nature of addiction and the need for ongoing support and treatment adjustments.
- Despite the high recovery rates, addiction is often perceived as an intractable condition, with stigma hindering people from seeking treatment and support.
The statistics presented in this article demonstrate the complex landscape of drug addiction treatment and recovery in the United States.
While progress has been made in understanding and treating substance use disorders, significant gaps remain in access to care and support for those in need.
It’s crucial to prioritize efforts that reduce barriers to treatment, improve access to quality care, and provide long-term support for individuals in recovery. Proper investment can help more people overcome the devastating effects of addiction.
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- “The scope of substance use in older adults.” NIDA.
- “Opioid Addiction 2016 Facts & Figures.” American Society of Addiction Medicine.
- “Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics (Facts About Addiction).” American Addiction Centers.
- “Barriers to Addiction Treatment: Why Addicts Don’t Seek Help.” American Addiction Centers.
- Molyneux A. “The success rates of different addiction treatments.” Delamare.

