Drug Abuse Treatment Market Analysis & Forecast: 2025-2032

Drug Abuse Treatment Market is estimated to be valued at USD 24.19 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 41.73 Bn in 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2025 to 2032.

Global market for drug abuse treatment offers various types of products to help individuals overcome substance abuse disorders. Medication-assisted treatment utilizes U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA)-approved medications to help reduce drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Common options include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Methadone is an opioid medication primarily used for opioid dependence that occupies the same receptors in the brain as other opioids to relieve cravings without producing euphoria. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and drug highs while blocking other opioids. Naltrexone is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence by blocking the effects of these substances. While medication plays a vital role in treatment, counseling also plays an important role.

Global drug abuse treatment market is segmented into abuse type, drug type, distribution channel, and region. By drug type, the nicotine replacement treatment segment accounted for the largest market share in 2025. The high share of this segment is due to the continuous launch of new products.

Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market- Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for drug abuse treatment during the forecast period, accounting for over 40.5% of the market share in 2025. The market growth in North America is due to increasing product launch by market players in the region. For instance, in May 2020, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC. a pharmaceutical company launched Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Injection, 0.3mg/mL, the generic version of Buprenex in the U.S.
• Europe is expected to be the second-largest market for drug abuse treatment, accounting for over 32.2% of the market share in 2025. The market growth is due to rising healthcare expenditure, stringent regulations, and increasing focus on patient safety and care quality in the region.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market for drug abuse treatment, with a CAGR of over 7.3% during the forecast period. The market growth in Asia Pacific is due to the improving healthcare IT infrastructure, growing medical tourism, and increasing focus on value-based care in the region.

Figure 1. Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market Share (%), By Region, 2025

To learn more about this report, Request sample copy

Analyst’s View of the Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market:

Global drug abuse treatment market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period due to rising substance abuse worldwide. Stringent government regulations regarding drug consumption along with growing acceptance of therapy and treatment are the major drivers fueling the demand for drug abuse treatments.

North America dominates the market and is expected to continue its dominance in the near future. High awareness levels regarding availability of treatment options and favorable reimbursement policies are supporting the market growth in the region. Europe is also a significant market supported by increasing expenditure on healthcare and availability of advanced treatment therapies.

Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market- Drivers

• Novel drug development: The development of novel drug treatments is playing a vital role in driving the growth of the global drug abuse treatment market. Pharmaceutical companies are actively researching and developing advanced medications that can more effectively treat substance abuse disorders and help patients in greater number to recover. Some of the novel drugs in pipeline aim to minimize withdrawal symptoms, reduce drug cravings, block drug rewarding effects and modify brain circuits involved in addiction.
• Government initiatives and funding: Government initiatives and funding are playing a key role in driving the growth of the global drug abuse treatment market. Many countries are allocating higher budgets to support innovative treatment methods and make them more accessible. For instance, in January 2021, the Ministry of Health of Jordan had received donation of nicotine replacement therapy from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health through its partnership with the Access Initiative for Quitting Tobacco (AIQT).
• Need to curtail healthcare costs: Substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking has become a major public health issue globally in recent years. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2022, about 275 Million people worldwide used drugs in 2020 with 36 Million people suffering from drug use disorders. The increasing prevalence of drug use disorders signifies a growing patient population seeking treatment options.

Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market- Opportunities

• Focus on newer therapies like cannabidiol and psychedelic drugs: Cannabidiol, which is derived from cannabis plants has shown early promise for treating substance abuse disorders and managing withdrawal symptoms from drugs like opioids, cocaine and alcohol. Studies by World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institute of Health (NIH) have found Cannabidiol (CBD) effective in reducing cravings and relapse rates when used in conjunction with other therapies. The non-intoxicating nature of CBD makes it more acceptable to patients and doctors than conventional medical cannabis treatment. With overdose deaths reaching catastrophic levels, CBD offers a relatively safe approach and presents the possibility of an affordable therapy. As more clinical trials report success, CBD is likely to gain mainstream acceptance and drive significant gains for drug abuse treatment programs focused on this approach.
• Strategic collaboration between market players: Strategic collaboration between various market players in the global drug abuse treatment sector could unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. As the drug abuse problem has become a massive challenge globally with wide-ranging social and economic consequences, no single organization or entity can effectively tackle it alone. Coordinated efforts are required that bring together the capabilities and expertise of different stakeholders. For instance, in December 2022, ADDEX THERAPEUTICS a pharmaceutical company collaborated with Indivior PLC a pharmaceutical company for the discovery of novel oral gamma-aminobutyric acid subtype B (GABAB) positive allosteric modulator (PAM) drug candidates for the treatment of substance use disorder.

Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market- Trends

• Increasing adoption of generic drugs for addiction treatment: Rising availability and usage of generic medications for addiction treatment is significantly impacting the drug abuse treatment market on a global scale. More affordable generic alternatives to branded opioid addiction medications like buprenorphine and methadone are becoming increasingly widespread. This shift with the opioid overdose crisis in many nations worsens the demand for low-cost evidence-based treatment options. For instance, in September 2021, Endo International plc. a pharmaceutical company launched generic version of Pfizer's Chantix (varenicline), 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets after getting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its Abbreviated New Drug Application.
• Increasing adoption of personalized treatment programs: Traditional "one-size-fits-all" treatment programs that focused solely on medication or counseling are being replaced by more tailored and holistic approaches. This recognizes that no two patients are the same and effective treatment must be customized, based on each individual's circumstances, including the specific drugs abused, co-occurring conditions like mental illness, and socioeconomic factors. Personalized treatment plans may incorporate a mix of medication, counseling or therapy targeted to a person's needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market- Restraints

• Social stigma associated with drug abuse: Social stigma associated with drug abuse is indeed a major challenge restraining the growth of global drug abuse treatment market. There exists a strong social stigma where drug abuse is seen as a sign of weakness, lack of morality or willpower by society. People struggling with drug abuse often face discrimination, social exclusion and isolation from friends and family due to the negative perceptions. This social stigma prevents many from voluntarily seeking help and treatment due to fear of being publicly shamed or branded. As a result, many suffer silently without receiving the medical help and support required to overcome drug addiction.

Counterbalance: The social stigma associated with the drug abuse needs to be removed from the society by providing proper medical as well as mental support to the person suffering from drug abuse.

• Lack of medical reimbursement policies: Lack of proper medical reimbursement policies is one of the major factors restraining the growth of global drug abuse treatment market. Drug abuse disorder is a relapsing medical condition that requires long term and continuous clinical treatment and patient monitoring. However, in many countries, there are limited public or private medical insurance plans that provide adequate coverage for extensive drug abuse rehabilitation and counseling programs. This creates significant financial burden on the patients and their families who have to bear high out-of-pocket expenses to avail proper clinical treatment. As a result, many people struggling with substance abuse problems are not able to seek timely professional help due to the lack of financial support through medical reimbursements.

Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market- Recent Developments

New Product Launches/Approvals:

• In May 23, 2023, Braeburn Inc. a pharmaceutical company received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for BRIXADI (buprenorphine) extended-release injection for subcutaneous use, a new weekly and monthly medication for moderate to severe opioid use disorder.
• In November 2022, Tempero Bio, Inc.,  a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for TMP-301. TMP-301 is the company's investigational metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) negative allosteric modulator (NAM) candidate used for treatment in cocaine use disorders (CUD).
• On May 16, 2023, Perrigo Company plc. a pharmaceutical company received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for nicotine coated mint lozenges, 2 mg and 4 mg over-the-counter (OTC). Nicotine polacrilex lozenges helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms in consumers who are trying to quit smoking.

Acquisition and Collaborations:

• In January 2022, Pfizer Inc. a pharmaceutical company collaborated with Alex Therapeutics a digital therapeutics company to form a strategic commercial partnership to use Alex Therapeutics (artificial intelligence) AI-based platform for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for nicotine cessation in nicotine-addicted patients.

Figure 2. Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market Share (%), By Drug  Type, 2025

To learn more about this report, Request sample copy

Top Companies in Global Drug Abuse Treatment Market:

• Cipla Limited
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
• Pfizer Inc.
• Mylan N.V.
• Odyssey Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Lil' Drug Store Products Inc.
• Indivior Plc.
• Reddy's Laboratories
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• British American Tobacco Plc.
• Alkermes
• Sun Pharmaceuticals
• BioCorRx, Inc.

Definition: Drug abuse can be defined as habitual dependence of an individual on any drugs, which turns into an addiction. Alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, heroin, and marijuana are some of the common drugs which have been misused thus leading to drugs addictions. In recent past, many products have been launched in the market for treatment and management of drug abuse. Some commonly used drug for treatment of drugs abuse are Disulfiram, Acamprosate, Naltrexone, Nicotine Replacement Treatment, Methadone, and Buprenorphine.