Hungry Sharks: The Sobering Truth About the $39 Billion Addiction Industrialized Complex

SM Wagenaar
Dec 27, 2024
3 min read

The rehab industry is a colossal, $39 billion enterprise, and much like the treacherous depths of the sea, it's fraught with predators.

As a woman in recovery who leads a grassroots recovery organization and facilitates a recovery support group online with over 11,000+ members, I’ve heard countless troubling stories about the rehab industry.

One couple, in recovery themselves, spent over $70,000 on their son's treatment, but much of it proved worthless.

Another individual I know personally endured the revolving door of more than 9 rehabs, often forced to attend 12-step groups he didn't find helpful, and engage in trivial activities, like puzzling, finger-painting, and ping-pong.

Other members have shared their horror stories with me of health insurance providers refusing to cover addiction care near their homes, and instead, they were sent to shoddy treatment facilities hundreds of miles away.

One Story That Still Pulls At My Heartstrings:

I will never forget the night a young woman in her 30s, whom we will call Lane, called me crying over her dog. Her local mental health provider had given her an ultimatum: enter long-term rehab or lose her temporary housing, which they were paying for.

They expected Lane to surrender her beloved pet to a local animal shelter, and she couldn't bear to do that. Lane has been unhoused for over two years.

At the time, she called me, our organization did not have the resources to help her find an alternative treatment option and/or a foster home for her dog. Today, we do.

Bad Rehabs Are A Disgrace:

Bad rehabs, hire salesmen. These con men prey on individuals and families at their most vulnerable. These facilities cut corners, overcharge patients, and provide substandard after-care.

These sales sharks exploit those with insurance and employ high-pressure sales tactics to entice individuals into their treatment programs.

Not All Rehabs Are Bad:

If you're contemplating rehab, it's essential to conduct meticulous research. Choose a facility grounded in good reviews, reasonably priced, and one that offers follow-up support in person or by Zoom. Be vigilant about the warning signs of predatory rehab centers. Furthermore, don't just take the word of a mental health worker about a rehab. Ask if they have toured the facility or if they can provide you with information that you can research online.

Tips for Choosing a Rehab Facility:

Inquire about the facility's treatment philosophy and ensure they employ a holistic and whole-person approach that focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit, as opposed to a heavy reliance on psychotherapy.
Beware of any facility boasting a 100% success rate and ask about their actual success rates.
Clarify the total cost of treatment, including any out-of-pocket expenses.
Seek out reviews and testimonials from former patients to gauge their experiences.

When in doubt about a rehab facility, it's always wise to error on the side of caution and explore other options. While there are many reputable rehab facilities, regrettably, there are also numerous subpar ones. Don't jeopardize your health and well-being by choosing an unsuitable facility.

Keep in mind that there are reputable rehabilitation centers available. Look for one that suits your requirements without exceeding your budget.

About the writer:

Susan Wagenaar, explores social issues, relationships, culture, addiction, and the incredible resilience of the indomitable human spirit.