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This issue looks at the economics behind addiction treatment as reimbursement pressures reshape the industry in 2026, alongside perspectives on harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment gaps, and the science connecting addiction to newer weight-loss drugs. A Metairie treatment provider is also flagging the seasonal relapse risks that come with summer gatherings, and a piece from AEI examines why effective stimulant addiction treatments remain scarce despite growing pressure for evidence-based care.
Behavioral Health Business
There is a persistent belief circulating across behavioral health executive teams that reimbursement is declining. On its surface, the claim is easy to validate. Margins are tighter. Cash cycles are longer. Residential programs, once the financial backbone of many organizations, are under visible strain.
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EIN Presswire
As summer brings vacations, celebrations, barbecues and holiday gatherings, Integrative Recovery Therapies is encouraging individuals in Metairie, Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area to recognize how seasonal changes can increase the risk of relapse for those in recovery from alcohol or substance use disorders.
Healthy Debate
Nkechi Ikeaba writes, "During a rural posting in West Africa, I once saw people at a religious centre locked up, chained to poles and subjected to harsh conditions because they were 'addicted to drugs,' brought by their family members who believed they were 'demon possessed' or needed 'spiritual deliverance.' I remember being shocked and moved to tears at these attempts to detoxify or rehabilitate — but without evidence-based care, compassion, dignity or an understanding of the illness itself."
Psychology Today
Mark S. Gold M.D. writes, "More than 50 years ago, I began my career believing I’d spend my life studying addiction. I never imagined the journey would lead to obesity medicine and compulsive eating — from Gatorade to Ozempic. Looking back, what surprises me most is not where the science ended up, but how often progress began with unexpected observations made caring for patients."
AEI
The Department of Health and Human Services recently sought advice from patients, clinicians and public health experts on addiction treatments supported by "rigorous, empirical evidence of effectiveness." Health and Human Services endorses medications to address opioid addiction, but there are actually no medications to address addiction to stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports
Screening for substance use disorders during pregnancy is essential but is hindered by barriers, including limited leadership engagement, financial sustainability concerns and insufficient infrastructure. This study evaluated the implementation in a maternal health clinic of an electronic health record-integrated Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment clinical decision support system that incorporated the 5Ps screening tool.