Outpatient Alcohol/Drug Abuse Centers Rehabilitating Lives

Rescue, Rehabilitation & Renewal Outpatient alcohol/drug abuse centers are generally considered part of a larger network of mental health facilities, and were estimated to number in the hundreds, as of June 2013. Of the approximately $11 billion in annual mental health facilities’ revenues, approximately 60% was generated from outpatient alcohol/drug abuse services. Outpatient programs serve high-profile individuals; people with limited resources; specific groups, such as youths and adults; and specific substance abuse: alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs, etc.

User Universe During 2012, an estimated 22.2 million Americans, 12 years of age or older, were substance-dependent: 14.9 million alcohol only, 4.5 million drugs only and 2.8 million both. Adults, 18–25, had the highest rate of abuse at 18.9%. The rate for adults, 26 and older was 7.0% and youths, 12–17, 6.1%. Marijuana was the most common illicit drug abused, 4.3 million, followed by pain relievers, 2.1 million; cocaine, 1.1 million; tranquilizers, 629,000; and stimulants, 535,000.

A Need, Indeed Only 4.0 million of the 23.1 million Americans, 12+, who needed treatment, actually received it; and 1.5 million of them did at an outpatient facility, second only to self-help groups at 2.1 million. Outpatient programs typically consist of a number of therapy sessions, with a counselor and/or patient groups, for one to several weeks. Many programs also include detoxification, physical exams and family involvement. During 2012, 2.4 million Americans, 12+, were treated for alcohol abuse, followed by pain relievers, 973,000; marijuana, 957,000; cocaine, 658,000; and tranquilizers, 458,000.

Fences to Freedom 40.4% of persons, 12+, who needed and perceived a need for treatment, but did not receive it because they were not yet ready to stop their dependence or abuse. Approximately one-third of all persons, 12+, who needed treatment, cited the lack of health insurance or personal resources as why they did not seek help. Other reasons for not receiving treatment included having health insurance, but it didn’t cover the costs; might have negative effect on job; did not know where to go for treatment; and lack of transportation.

Barriers to Treatment, Persons, 12+, 2009–2012 Needed, Perceived, Made Effort, But Did Not Receive Treatment Barrier No health insurance/could not afford cost Not ready to stop using Had health insurance, but didn’t cover costs Might have negative effect on job Did not know where to go for treatment No transportation/inconvenient Might create negative perception of patient Did not have time Percentage 38.2% 26.3% 10.1% 9.5% 8.9% 8.2% 7.9% 7.1% NSDUH, 2012

Towards Better Treatment The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is expected to benefit outpatient treatment centers as well as patients since the law requires that coverage for such treatment must cost the same as other health care coverage. Many outpatient substance abuse treatment facilities market their services directly to physicians and hospitals instead of the public, relying on a physician referral network to obtain new patients. The industry is projected to grow by 6% annually from 2013 to 2017. During Q1 2013, revenues for outpatient care centers (including mental health facilities) increased 4.0% compared to Q1 2012.

Advertising Strategies Use data in this report to show outpatient program directors how television will educate and reach the approximately 90% of people who need treatment, but don’t receive it through health care referrals. Recommend that advertisers target executives and other high-profile individuals, who can pay for exclusive services, during news and sports, such as golf and tennis. Suggest advertisers initiate a two-tier marketing approach for families, youth and young adults, sharing a general message in TV commercials, integrated with youth-oriented content in social media.

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