The opioid epidemic continues to grip communities across America, with tens of thousands of lives lost annually to overdoses. Within this challenging landscape, Acadia Healthcare has developed a network of specialized facilities that offer hope and healing to those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD).
A Nationwide Network of Healing
With 165 Comprehensive Treatment Centers (CTCs) spanning 33 states, Acadia Healthcare maintains the largest network of medication-assisted treatment facilities in the country. These centers serve as lifelines for over 72,500 patients seeking recovery from opioid dependency.
“What makes the CTC approach so effective is its combination of FDA-approved medications with counseling services,” explains addiction medicine specialist Dr. Elena Rodriguez. “This dual approach treats both the physical aspects of addiction and the psychological components that fuel substance use.”
The evidence supports this integrated method. Across Acadia’s network of treatment centers, an average of 72% of drug tests for illicit opioid use have been negative over the last five years. This success rate stands in stark contrast to research showing relapse rates as high as 90% without proper treatment.
Science-Based Approaches to Recovery
The foundation of Acadia Healthcare’s CTC model rests on evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines FDA-approved medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone with counseling and behavioral therapies.
This approach follows recommendations from leading health authorities, including the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Research consistently demonstrates that patients who stay in MAT programs experience better outcomes, including reduced illicit drug use and improved health, employment, and social functioning.
“Medication alone isn’t enough,” notes behavioral health counselor Marcus Williams. “The counseling component that Acadia provides helps patients address trauma, develop coping strategies, and rebuild the social connections often damaged during active addiction.”
CTCs offer both individual and group counseling sessions, providing multiple therapeutic avenues for patients to explore underlying issues that contribute to substance use disorders. This holistic approach recognizes that addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life and requires comprehensive treatment.
Expanding Access to Life-Saving Care
Recognizing that geographic barriers often prevent people from accessing treatment, Acadia Healthcare has pursued a strategic expansion of its CTC locations to reach underserved communities.
“When someone decides they’re ready for help, immediate access can make the difference between recovery and continued suffering,” explains Sarah Jenkins, a public health researcher focusing on addiction treatment accessibility. “By placing centers in areas with limited options, Acadia Healthcare is extending a lifeline to people who might otherwise go without help.”
The company continues to add new locations, with plans to open up to 14 new CTC clinics in 2024 alone. Each new facility represents increased access to evidence-based care for a community facing the devastating impact of opioid addiction.
In addition to physical locations, many CTCs now offer telehealth services for counseling sessions, further reducing barriers to treatment. This hybrid model allows patients to maintain connection with their treatment team even when transportation or scheduling challenges arise.
Meeting Patients Where They Are
A hallmark of Acadia’s treatment philosophy is meeting patients at their current stage of recovery. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, CTCs develop individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive assessments of each person’s needs.
This personalized approach recognizes that recovery isn’t linear. For some patients, the goal might be complete abstinence from all substances, while others might focus on stopping illicit opioid use while temporarily remaining on prescribed medications.
“What’s remarkable about Acadia’s CTCs is their recognition that recovery looks different for each person,” notes addiction recovery advocate Teresa Martinez. “They create space for patients to define success on their own terms while providing structure and clinical expertise to guide the process.”
The centers also address the social determinants that impact recovery, helping connect patients with resources for housing, employment, transportation, and other essential needs. By taking this comprehensive view, CTCs support sustainable, long-term recovery.
Quality and Accountability
Acadia Healthcare’s commitment to quality is evident in its CTC operations. All facilities maintain necessary accreditations, including CARF International certification. In fact, Acadia’s CTCs scored in the 99th percentile across CARF’s 13 identified quality measures during recent reviews.
Additionally, the centers undergo regular inspections by state regulatory agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to ensure compliance with strict guidelines for medication handling and program operations.
This focus on quality translates directly to patient satisfaction. In recent surveys, 9 out of 10 CTC patients indicated they would recommend Acadia’s program to others seeking help for opioid use disorder.
Through its extensive network of Comprehensive Treatment Centers, Acadia Healthcare continues to make meaningful progress against the opioid epidemic, offering evidence-based solutions that save lives and restore hope.
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