The substance abuse and addiction recovery industry is constantly evolving. With new methods of treatment and rehabilitation being developed every day, it can be difficult for facility directors to know which programs are most effective for their patients and how those programs can expand with the changing space, equipment, and treatment needs of their current facility. 

The good news is that there are many areas for growth and expansion in the addiction recovery sector and this article will help facility directors identify, assess, and prioritize them. In this blog post, we will discuss the current landscape of the substance abuse and addiction recovery industry. Then, we will identify potential areas for growth and expansion for addiction recovery facilities. Next, we will consider the necessary resources for a successful expansion. Finally, we will explore ways in which these expansions could be funded through sustainable and appropriate sources. By understanding the potential areas for growth in addiction recovery facilities, executive directors can make informed decisions about where to invest their resources and how to best serve those affected by addiction.

The Current Landscape of Addiction Recovery Facilities

In 2016 alone over 2 million people were suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD) in America alone (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration). This number is staggering when you consider that only 10% of those affected by SUDs receive any kind of treatment (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration). There is a clear need to increase access to effective treatment for substance use disorders.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that in 2016 there were over 23 million people who needed treatment for a substance use disorder, but did not receive it (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration). This is a large number of people who are suffering from the devastating effects of addiction. The need for effective treatment is clear, but there is a lack of access to care. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that only 10% of those affected by SUDs receive any kind of treatment (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration). There is a clear need to increase access to effective treatment for substance use disorders.

One way to increase access to effective treatment is through the expansion of addiction recovery facilities. Addiction recovery facilities provide an environment in which individuals with SUDs can receive the help they need through evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and 12-step programs. These programs have been proven effective at helping individuals overcome their addictions and lead drug-free lives (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Addiction recovery facilities also provide support groups, individual therapy, family therapy, relapse prevention training, aftercare planning, and other services that are critical in helping individuals recover from addiction. By providing these services addiction recovery facilities can help more people overcome their addictions than ever before.

The growth in the number of addiction recovery facilities has been substantial over the past decade. In 2005, there were only about 1,000 addiction recovery facilities in the United States. By 2015, that number had increased to over 2,100 (The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse). This growth is largely due to the increasing number of individuals with SUDs who are seeking help for their addictions. The number of people receiving treatment for SUDs has been steadily increasing since the early 2000s (SAMHSA). A large portion of these people is turning to addiction recovery facilities as a way to get the help they need.

The increase in the number of addiction recovery facilities has also led to a rise in the number of people working in these facilities. In 2005, only about 30,000 people were working at addiction recovery facilities. By 2015, that number had increased to over 40,000 (The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse). These individuals are working in a variety of different jobs at addiction recovery facilities. Some are counselors or therapists who provide individual or group therapy to patients. Others work as case managers who help patients with their aftercare plans and other needs after they leave the facility. Still, others work as administrators or managers who oversee the day-to-day operations at the facility and make sure that it is running smoothly.

As more people seek treatment for SUDs, more people will be employed by addiction recovery facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities for addiction counselors will grow by 19 percent between 2014 and 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations combined during this period (7 percent). The BLS also expects employment growth among case managers to be very strong over this same period (17 percent) while employment growth among administrators/managers is expected to be somewhat slower than average (13 percent). This means that there will be many job opportunities available for those interested in working at an addiction recovery facility in the future.

Potential Areas for Growth and Expansion for Addiction Recovery Facilities

As more and more people seek treatment for their SUDs, there will be greater demand for addiction recovery facilities. This means that there will be an opportunity for addiction recovery facilities to expand and grow as more people seek treatment. For example, some addiction recovery facilities may choose to add additional services or expand the range of services that they offer. This could include adding new types of treatment programs or expanding existing programs to accommodate more patients.

Another way that addiction recovery facilities can grow is by opening additional locations under the same name or by acquiring other companies with similar treatment programs and facility operations. For example, some addiction recovery facilities have acquired other companies while still operating under the same name and brand as before the acquisition. This allows facilities to expand without having to rebrand themselves completely or re-outfit new spaces for treatment. Opening new locations or executing mergers & acquisitions also aid in acquiring a larger client base, increasing overall market share and treatment capacity.

Necessary Resources for a Successful Facility Expansion

When it comes to expanding a facility, several resources are necessary to make sure that the expansion is successful. The most important resource is funding. Addiction recovery facilities need funding to make sure that they can afford the equipment and supplies needed for the expansion. There are several ways to obtain funding for an expansion, including grants, loans, and donations.

Another important resource that is needed for facility expansion is the staff. Addiction recovery facilities need to hire more staff members to accommodate the additional clients and patients that will be coming through the doors during the expansion. Staff members are also needed to make sure that the facility is running smoothly during the transition from one location to another. During times of expansion and transition, it is common and advised to hire additional staff to support the expansion and transition process for patients and providers.

Another resource that is necessary for an addiction recovery facility expansion is space. To expand a facility, the company must have enough space available to house all of the new equipment and supplies as well as any new employees that are hired during the expansion process. Identifying the space needs of the new facility will require the company to perform a space needs analysis in order to determine the amount of space that is needed for the expansion. The space needs analysis will help the company identify any additional space that may be needed to accommodate the new equipment and employees.

Once the space needs analysis is complete, the organization directors will need to begin finding potential new locations for the facility, or consider purchasing nearby plots of land to accommodate the expansion. Finding a new location for the facility may be difficult and time-consuming, as the company will need to consider factors such as the size of the property, the location of the property, and how much it will cost to purchase or lease the property.

Additionally, if a new location for the facility is needed, then the company needs to consider how much time and money will be required to relocate all of their equipment and staff. The company must also consider how much time it will take to move all of its current patients from one facility to another.

If an expansion is necessary, then an organization director must decide whether they want to expand by purchasing an existing addiction recovery center, if they want to build a new one from scratch, or if they want to expand their current location to accommodate their growing space needs. Purchasing an existing addiction recovery center may be less expensive than building a new one from scratch but there are some risks involved with purchasing an existing addiction recovery center as well; such as the location, potential renovation needs, etc.

Finally, another resource that addiction recovery facilities need to expand successfully is time. Addiction recovery facilities must have enough time allotted in their schedule to complete their expansion without interrupting other operations at their treatment center or causing any delays in patient care. If a facility does not have enough time allotted in its schedule, then it may end up having to cut corners on certain aspects of the construction and renovation process which could lead to negative consequences later on down the road such as increased costs due to poor workmanship or less than optimal patient care due to lack of space and resources at the treatment center.

Planning for Long-Term Success in the Expanded Addiction Recovery Market

To ensure that the expansion is a success, it is important to have a plan in place. A plan will help to ensure that the expansion goes smoothly and that there are no problems during the transition from one location to another. The plan should include details about how the transition will be handled, including how patients and employees will be moved from one facility to another.

When planning for long-term success in the expanded addiction recovery market, it is important to consider the following:

1. Consider the Expansion Process as a Whole

When considering expansion plans, facility owners and operators should look at all aspects of the expansion process, from space needs to treatment programs to construction, and everything in between. Only after all angles are considered, can facility owners and operators definitively determine how their treatment center can benefit from potential expansion.

2. Consider the Needs of the Community

It is important to consider the needs of the community when planning for the expansion of an addiction recovery facility. Facility owners and operators should consider what type of treatment options are currently available to their residents, what new or alternative treatment options are developing in the market, and how their center can address the growing needs for addiction treatment services.

3. Consider What Services Will Be Offered at Each Facility

The services offered at each facility should be carefully considered before expansion plans are finalized. It is important to ensure that each facility will have a unique set of services that will attract a different type of patient than other facilities in the area. This will help to ensure that each facility has long-term success in providing patient-centered care.

4. Be Aware of Potential Competition from Other Addiction Recovery Facilities

In addition to being aware of potential competition from other facilities, it is also important for facility owners and operators to be aware of what makes their treatment center unique compared to other treatment centers in their area so that they can use this information when marketing their treatment center to potential patients and clients.

As the addiction recovery industry continues to grow, so too does the potential for expansion and growth of treatment facilities. With the right planning and resources, any facility can expand its reach and better serve those affected by addiction. If you are interested in learning more about how Incarnate Recovery can help your organization expand, please do not hesitate to reach out. We would be happy to discuss our services with you and answer any questions you may have.