SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market Size and Trends

Global substance abuse treatment market size was valued USD 11.82 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 21.33 Bn by 2032 exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways

• Based on Type, the Alcohol is expected to lead the market with a 32.3% share in 2025, driven by owing to rising global alcohol consumption.
• Based on Treatment Type, the Opioid segment is expected to account for highest share of the market in 2025, due to its effectiveness.
• Based on Age Group, the Adolescents segment is expected to dominate with highest share of the market in 2025, due to greater vulnerability to experimenting with substance.
• Based on treatment setting, the outpatient treatment segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market in 2025, supported by its cost-effectiveness and insurance coverage.
• Based on Region, North America is expected to lead the market, holding a share of 43.70% in 2025. While, Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing region during the forecast period with a market share of 25.2% in 2025.

Market Overview

The global substance abuse treatment market demand is primarily driven by the rising number of addicts who need help in understanding their behavior and motivate them towards a better life. This treatment also develops higher self-esteem and cope with stress. The substance abuse treatment is designed to help people stop alcohol or drug use and remain sober and drug free. Recovery is a lifelong process. Staying in recovery is a difficult task, so your mother will need to learn new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. Medications can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, deter substance use, and help people avoid relapse. The use of medication is often combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to form a comprehensive treatment plan.

Current events and their Impact on the Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market

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End-User Feedback and Unmet Needs in Substance Abuse Treatment Market

1. Patient-Centered and Holistic Care

• Desire for holistic, integrated services: Interviews in outpatient settings showed that patients value providers who demonstrate cultural humility, consistency, trust, and peer support. They also expect help beyond clinical treatment—such as housing, employment, peer-led activities, and even basic amenities (e.g., coffee/snacks).
• Integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders: Users with dual diagnoses frequently face treatment exclusion due to siloed mental health and SUD services. Integrated care models—treating both conditions simultaneously—are strongly preferred but underprovided.

2. Service Access and Structural Barriers

• Persistent access barriers: Despite increasing prevalence, only ~15 % of those needing SUD treatment actually receive it. Perceived needs are low (under 6%) and only a small fraction seek care.
• Structural limits: Key obstacles include lack of appointment time, inflexible service hours, transportation issues, limited bilingual support, and overburdened facilities.
• High unmet needs in psychosocial domains: Across outpatient programs, significant service gaps exist in employment, housing, education, mental health support, legal aid, and more. For example, one U.S. study found that 29 % of patients had unmet service needs—with unemployment support (17%), housing (15%), and mental/emotional support (13%) topping the list.

3. Quality, Satisfaction & Equity

• Variable satisfaction with core SUD care: In Norway, only about 41% of service users were satisfied with their assistance in addressing substance issues. Satisfaction was much lower regarding support for employment (24%), social activities (38%), and financial stability (47%).
• Disparities by race and comorbidity: South African research revealed that Black African patients, individuals with longer substance use histories, comorbid mental illness, or multiple substances perceive greater difficulty accessing high-quality SUD treatment.
• Suboptimal primary care experiences: Patients with SUD report significantly poorer experiences in domains like timely follow-up, provider communication, and overall satisfaction in primary care compared to patients without SUD.

Segmental Insights

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Substance Abuse Treatment Market Insights, By Type, Alcohol

In terms of type, the alcohol segment is expected to contribute 32.3% share of the market in 2025, owing to the rising global alcohol consumption. WHO data shows a sustained increase in per capita alcohol consumption, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Heavy episodic drinking (binge drinking) is growing among youth and working-age adults, leading to long-term dependency and health risks. Drinking alcohol is closely related to mental health disorders including anxiety, depression and suicide risk. Countries such as India, Russia, U.S., South Africa, and some parts of Europe are witnessed with high alcohol consumption and related health system strain. In India, there are 160 million people consuming alcohol, and only 1 in 38 people with alcohol dependence receive structured treatment.

In April 2025, a groundbreaking feature in Psychology Today spotlights three new innovations transforming alcohol addiction care: semaglutide, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and gene therapy. The article highlights semaglutide’s potential to suppress alcohol cravings through GLP-1 mechanisms, while TMS noninvasively targets brain centers to curb dependency. Gene therapy, although in early research stages, aims to reprogram genes linked to dopamine-driven reward pathways. Together, these advancements offer promising, multifaceted strategies that could dramatically enhance treatment outcomes for the approximately 28.9 million Americans with alcohol use disorder.

Substance Abuse Treatment Market Insights, By Treatment Type

Opioid Holds the Dominant Market Share Driven By its Effectiveness

In terms of treatment type, the opioid segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the market in 2025, due to its effectiveness. Opioid treatment is crucial for addicts because it can save lives, improve overall well-being, and reduce the risk of overdose and death. It helps manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and risky behaviors associated with opioid use. Opioids are highly addictive, largely because they trigger powerful reward centers in the brain. Opioids trigger the release of endorphins. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse, research has shown that methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can reduce opioid use and other negative health outcomes. 

In April 2025, a new clinical trial led by WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute revealed that low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) neuromodulation significantly reduces opioid cravings in patients with severe opioid use disorder. The single-arm study treated eight individuals using MR-guided LIFU on the bilateral nucleus accumbens. Results showed a 91% average drop in opioid cravings lasting throughout the 90‑day follow‑up, and 62.5% of participants remained abstinent as confirmed by urine tests.

Substance Abuse Treatment Market Insights, By Age Group

Adolescence Acquires the Largest Market Share on account of Greater Vulnerability to Experimenting

In terms of age group, the adolescence segment is projected to account for highest share of the market in 2025, due to greater vulnerability to experimenting with substance. Adolescents are neurologically wired for risk, socially pressured, and often emotionally vulnerable, creating a perfect storm for addiction if prevention and support systems are lacking. Many adolescents perceive substances like marijuana, vaping, or alcohol as low-risk, especially with mixed societal messages and normalization in media.

According to the Partnership to End Addiction, 75% of high school students have tried addictive substances such as nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine; 46% currently use addictive substances; and 12% meet the clinical criteria for addiction. 90% of Americans who meet the clinical criteria for addiction started using substances before the age of 18. This further propels the substance abuse treatment market demand.

Substance Abuse Treatment Market Insights, By Treatment Setting

Outpatient Treatment Acquires the Largest market share owing to its Cost-effective and Insurance Coverage

In terms of treatment setting, the outpatient treatment segment is expected to contribute the largest shares of the market in 2025, supported by its cost-effectiveness and insurance coverage. Outpatient programs are significantly more affordable compared to inpatient or residential care. Plus, Insurance companies increasingly favor outpatient models due to lower overall treatment costs. Many individuals prefer outpatient care to avoid the social stigma associated with hospitalization or institutionalization.

In June 2025, Asana Recovery, a behavioral health provider, reported a notable increase in demand for outpatient addiction treatment services, including Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), throughout Orange County. The rise appears driven by patients seeking flexible, discreet, and personalized recovery options that integrate therapy into daily life. Asana Recovery already accepts a wide range of insurance plans and offers in-person and virtual care, positioning it to meet the needs of individuals managing recovery alongside work and family commitments.

Regional Insights

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North America Substance Abuse Treatment Market Analysis & Trends

North America is expected to be the largest market for substance abuse treatment during the forecast period, accounting for over 43.70% of the market share in 2025. North America has established itself as the dominant region in the global substance abuse treatment market. A significant driver is the escalating prevalence of substance abuse cases, particularly concerning issues like opioid addiction. Government initiatives that are aimed at addressing substance abuse, coupled with increased funding for treatment programs, contribute to the market growth. Ongoing technological advancements in treatment methods, such as innovative therapeutic approaches and digital solutions, are playing a role in enhancing the efficacy of substance abuse treatments.

For instance, a wave of innovations is tackling the opioid epidemic, driven by rising overdose deaths that hit 81,083 in the U.S. in 2023. Biometric monitoring systems now help doctors personalize addiction treatment dosages, while behind-the-ear nerve stimulators offer relief from withdrawal symptoms.

Asia Pacific Substance Abuse Treatment Market Analysis & Trends

Asia Pacific is expected to be the second-largest market for substance abuse treatment market, accounting for over 25.2% of the market share in 2025. A notable driver is the increasing recognition and acknowledgment of substance abuse issues in the region. Rising awareness campaigns and government initiatives that are focused on curbing substance abuse are fostering the demand for addiction treatment. The burgeoning population and urbanization contribute to the escalation of substance abuse cases, further propelling the market growth. Advancements in treatment methodologies, including the adoption of evidence-based practices and technology-driven interventions, play a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of substance abuse treatments.

In June 2025, The University Grants Commission (UGC) launched a comprehensive online course on drug abuse awareness for university students across India, including Telangana. Titled "Drugs of Abuse," the curriculum, hosted on the SWAYAM portal, features 35 self-paced modules with case studies, videos, and written content, covering alcohol, barbiturates, cocaine, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and drug metabolism.

Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market Outlook Country-Wise

The U.S. Substance Abuse Treatment Market Trends

The U.S. substance abuse treatment market is characterized by high rate of addiction. Around 46 million Americans aged 12 and older met criteria for a substance use disorder in 2023, on substances such as opioids, alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, and prescription drugs. The U.S. faces an ongoing opioid crisis, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths annually, of which nearly 70–80% are opioid-related (including fentanyl). The U.S. government has allocated billions of dollars through the SUPPORT Act, SAMHSA grants, and opioid settlement funds to expand treatment infrastructure, which is further positively influencing the substance abuse treatment market revenue in the United States.

India Substance Abuse Treatment Market Trends

India substance abuse treatment market demonstrates remarkable expansion driven by increasing abuse of opioids (heroin, tramadol), cannabis, alcohol, especially in Punjab, UP, and Northeast states. India is confronting this matter with multi-pronged but still evolving approach involving government policies, public health programs, legal enforcement, and community outreach. Insia has implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under (NAPDDR) National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. This initiative includes awareness and prevention campaigns, de-addiction centers across states, and skill development and rehab for recovering individuals.

Market Report Scope

Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market Drivers

Increasing consumption of drugs and alcohol

The rising trend of substance abuse worldwide has become a major public health concern. The UN agency tackling crime and drug abuse (UNODC) released its annual World Drug Report warning that there are now nearly 300 million users globally. There has also been an increase in the use of other mind-altering substances such as alcohol in recent times. This increasing consumption of various substances, both legal and illegal, has mainly been driven by factors such as stress, mental health issues, peer pressure and easy availability. The ongoing pandemic further exacerbated issues that are related to social isolation, unemployment, and financial troubles, thus pushing many to resort to substance abuse.

Growing support from government and NGOs

Government policies and intervention programs play a crucial role in addressing substance abuse issues. In recent years, many countries have recognized substance abuse as a serious public health problem and have increased funding for prevention and treatment services. The additional funding has allowed for expansion of community-based treatment programs, medication-assisted treatment, and widespread distribution of naloxone to combat overdoses. Non-governmental organizations are also contributing significantly to greater access to treatment services globally. Groups like the American Addiction Centers and the National Council for Behavioral Health are actively partnering with local providers to set up affordable treatment options in underserved communities.

The World Health Organization's Information Series on School Drug Abuse Prevention aims to assist educators and social workers in early identification of at-risk youth and thus guiding them towards intervention or clinical treatment programs. According to recent global substance abuse treatment market research, digital therapeutics such as FDA-approved RESET-O and mobile MAT platforms like PursueCare are gaining traction, offering scalable solutions amid rising opioid and alcohol dependency worldwide.

Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market Opportunities

Untapped markets in developing countries

Untapped markets in developing countries could provide substantial opportunities for growth in the global substance abuse treatment market. Many developing nations still have relatively low treatment rates compared to needs. As developing economies grow and standards of living increase, substance abuse issues also tend to rise, reflecting global trends. According to the global substance abuse treatment market forecast, regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa are expected to witness significant demand expansion in the coming years. This represents a chance for early intervention and prevention. Partnerships between international organizations, local providers and social welfare systems will be important to build sustainable treatment infrastructure and programs where they are lacking. Telehealth and virtual services also show promise to reach remote and underserved populations. However, any initiatives must take local beliefs, capacity, and socioeconomic factors into careful consideration to maximize impact and acceptance.

Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market Trends

Focus on opioid dependence treatment

Growing trend of opioid dependence is significantly influencing the global substance abuse treatment market. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 36 million people globally suffer from drug use disorders that are related to opioids. The intake of prescription and non-prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and others has been rising sharply over the years, thus leading to dependence issues. This presents a massive patient pool requiring effective treatment solutions. Pharmacological treatments involving medicines like buprenorphine and methadone for medically assisted therapy are witnessing higher demand.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), opioid agonist maintenance therapy should be an integral part of the comprehensive package of services in substance abuse care. The therapy aims to stabilize dependency on opioids and prevent relapse into illicit drug use. As a result, major players in the global substance abuse treatment market are investing significantly in new opioid dependence therapies and novel drug delivery formulations of existing options. According to recent global substance abuse treatment market trends, companies like PursueCare are integrating FDA-authorized digital therapeutics (e.g., RESET-O) into their care platforms to enhance patient engagement and reduce relapse rates. Moreover, manufacturers are developing extended-release injections of buprenorphine to overcome issues of non-adherence to daily oral medications.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Charlie Health, a leading provider of virtual high-acuity behavioral healthcare, launched a dedicated substance use disorder (SUD) treatment track for teens and adults. The comprehensive virtual program integrates individual and group therapy, family support, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) including buprenorphine and naltrexone within curated peer cohorts.
• In January 2025, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) unveiled the Center for Addiction Recovery Support (CARS) through its Office of Recovery, in collaboration with One World Recovery Network (OWRN). CARS will provide training and technical assistance to help providers deliver comprehensive recovery supports for individuals grappling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
• In October 2024, Virtual addiction care provider PursueCare introduced RESET® and RESET‑O®, the only FDA‑authorized prescription digital therapeutics designed to treat substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). These app‑based therapies deliver a 12‑week cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program combined with contingency‑management incentives, improving retention and reducing drug use.
• In November 2023, World Health Organization (WHO) designates a new Collaborating Centre on Substance Use, Noncommunicable Disease and Policy Impact which will focus on reducing substance use as a means of reducing the burden imposed by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

The global substance abuse treatment market value is at an inflection point, its growth is no longer simply tied to rising addiction rates, but increasingly to systemic shifts in legislation, insurance coverage mandates, digital disruption, and a stark failure of traditional abstinence-based approaches. What we’re witnessing is a slow but irreversible pivot from acute intervention models to integrated, longitudinal care. And frankly, this shift is overdue.

More than 85% of people with a substance use disorder (SUD) receive no treatment, despite decades of government programs and billions in funding. According to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40–60% of individuals relapse within a year of treatment—a statistic that underscores the ineffectiveness of siloed, one-size-fits-all rehabilitation models. The treatment market can no longer afford to be reactive. The real opportunity lies in data-backed, outcomes-driven care, and a redefinition of “success” that includes maintenance, relapse reduction, and social reintegration.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is breaking the stigma ceiling. The number of buprenorphine prescriptions in the U.S. alone grew over 17% YoY in 2023, and Europe is mirroring this trend with expanded public reimbursement in countries like France and Germany. Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension), once a niche treatment, has seen significant uptake in U.S. correctional systems—highlighting a key future vector: institutionalized populations. It's not just about addressing demand, but capturing a captive, underserved demographic with tailored pharmacological and behavioral strategies.

The technological renaissance is also real. Digital therapeutics like reSET-O (Pear Therapeutics) have proven efficacy in clinical trials, with patients showing a 70% treatment retention rate versus 43% in standard care. While Pear’s bankruptcy raised alarms about DTx scalability, the product efficacy remains validated, and the second wave of entrants (e.g., Orexo’s MODIA and Big Health’s AI platforms) are solving monetization.

More U.S. states now include SUD treatment under Medicaid parity mandates, with MAT included as a standard benefit. In India, the Ayushman Bharat scheme now lists SUD treatment in several pilot states—a watershed moment for emerging markets. Insurance design is no longer a bottleneck; provider inertia is.

Market Segmentation

• Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market, By Type
• Alcohol
• Opioids (e.g., heroin, prescription painkillers)
• Tobacco/nicotine
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamines
• Other illicit drugs (Benzodiazepines, etc.)
• Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market, By Treatment Type
• Opioid
• Methadone
• Buprenorphine
• Extended-release naltrexone
• Lofexidine
• Nicotine
• Nicotine replacement therapies (available as a patch, inhaler, or gum)
• Bupropion
• Varenicline
• Alcohol
• Naltrexone
• Disulfiram
• Acamprosate
• Tobacco
• Clonidine
• Nortriptyline
• Others (Topiramate, Modafinil, etc.)
• Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market, By Age Group
• Adolescents
• Adults
• Geriatric
• Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market, By Treatment Setting
• Outpatient Treatment
• Outpatient Clinics
• Private Practices
• Inpatient Treatment
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Hospitals
• Residential Treatment Facilities
• Detoxification Centers
• Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market, By Region
• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • Spain
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East
  • GCC Countries
  • Israel
  • Rest of Middle East
• Africa
  • South Africa
  • North Africa
  • Central Africa
• Top Companies
• • Indivior PLC
  • Pfizer, Inc.
  • Johnson & Johnson Inc.
  • Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.
  • USWM, LLC
  • Valeant Pharmaceuticals
  • Greenyard Pharmaceutical Ltd.
  • Cipla Health Limited
  • Perrigo
  • Haleon Group of Companies
  • Ventus Medical
  • Glenmark
  • Other Prominent Players

Sources

Primary Research Interviews from the following stakeholders

Stakeholders

• Interviews with substance abuse rehabilitation centers, healthcare providers, addiction counselors, insurance companies, mental health professionals, and pharmaceutical manufacturers across major global regions.

Databases

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Health Observatory Data Repository
• UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Statistics
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Behavioral Health and Drug Overdose Data
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Trends & Statistics
• Eurostat – Health and Well-being Statistics
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India – Drug Offense Data
• OECD Health Statistics
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare – Japan
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Data

Magazines

• Psychology Today
• Addiction Professional
• Mental Health Weekly
• Behavioral Healthcare Executive
• Pharmaceutical Executive – Addiction Therapy Section
• Modern Healthcare – Behavioral Health Reports
• Health Affairs – Addiction Policy Updates

Journals

• Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (Elsevier)
• Addiction (Wiley)
• Journal of Addiction Medicine (Lippincott)
• The Lancet Psychiatry
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence (Elsevier)
• Substance Use & Misuse (Taylor & Francis)
• Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

Newspapers

• The New York Times – Health & Addiction Coverage
• The Guardian – Society and Mental Health Sections
• Hindustan Times – Nation & Health (India)
• Financial Times – Healthcare Innovation
• Globe and Mail – Canadian Health Reporting
• South China Morning Post – Public Health & Safety
• The Times – UK Mental Health Crisis Coverage

Associations

• World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD)
• International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM)
• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
• National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
• European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)
• Indian Psychiatric Society – Substance Use Disorders Section
• Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)

Public Domain Sources

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India) – Drug De-Addiction Programme Reports
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – SAMHSA and ONDCP Reports
• National Health Service (UK) – Drug and Alcohol Treatment Frameworks
• European Commission – Drug Policy and Harm Reduction Reports
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Health Sector Allocation
• NITI Aayog – Behavioral Health and Rehabilitation Insights
• Public Health England – Substance Misuse Treatment Statistics
• UN Sustainable Development Goals Database – Health and Well-being Metrics

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, and Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years