Market Challenges And Opportunities
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. According to the data published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2021, around 275 million people globally used drugs at least once during the year and 36 million people suffered from drug use disorders. 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. According to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, the sales of alcohol increased substantially in many countries during the nationwide lockdowns.
- Growing support from government and NGOs: Government policies and intervention programs play a crucial role in addressing substance abuse issues. In recent (2020-2022) years, many countries have recognized substance abuse as a serious public health problem and have increased funding for prevention and treatment services. For example, the U.S. government passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) in 2016, to address the growing opioid epidemic by expanding access to evidence-based treatment and recovery support services. As a result of initiatives like Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), federal funding for substance abuse treatment in the U.S. increased from US$25 Bn in 2017 to over US$30 Bn in 2021. 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. In 2022, according to a report provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, non-governmental organization (NGO) led or supported over 8,500 drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs across 150 countries in 2021 alone. 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.
Global Substance Abuse Treatment Market - Restraints
- Social stigma associated with substance dependence: Social stigma continues to be one of the largest barriers for individuals struggling with substance dependence to seek treatment. The social perceptions of substance users being "morally weak" or "criminals" deters many from openly admitting they need help. As a result, millions of people worldwide are suffering from addiction who are not receiving the clinical support and resources that are required to overcome substance abuse disorders. This perpetuates vicious cycles of relapse and prevents the global substance abuse treatment industry from identifying and engaging all those in need of care. Countries where social attitudes remain deeply judgmental of those with substance dependence issues have witnessed treatment rates continue to lag. For example, data provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime shows treatment demand and uptake in Asia Pacific countries remains very low as compared to other regions of the world. Some of the lowest rates are observed in East and Southeast Asian nations where social stigma carries heavy social weight. The fear of losing jobs, families or social status if a substance issue is revealed prevents many from pursuing treatment options, regardless of availability or affordability.
- Lack of adequate rehabilitation facilities: Lack of adequate rehabilitation facilities is significantly restraining the growth of the global substance abuse treatment market. The demand for substance abuse treatment is increasing worldwide as drug addiction is rising rapidly among all age groups and across all regions. However, most countries do not have enough rehabilitation infrastructure and resources to cater to this growing demand. According to the report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2022, only 1 in 7 people globally who need treatment for drug use disorders receive it. The report highlights that many countries lack basic services for drug dependence treatment or have only a few specialty treatment centers located in major cities. Even developed nations like the U.S. face shortages, with only 10% of those who need treatment are able to access it. The lack of community-based and outpatient facilities force many patients to opt for unauthorized or informal treatment approaches. This gap between demand and access to care negatively impacts the uptake of evidence-based substance abuse treatment services significantly. It prevents people from seeking timely medical help for their conditions and increases the risk of drug overdose. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 450,000 people died as a result of drug use in 2019. More than half of these deaths could have been prevented with access to proper treatment and care. The shortage of specialized healthcare infrastructure discourages pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers from further investing and introducing novel solutions in this space. This lack of capacity-building ultimately slows down the long-term growth of this market.
- Counterbalance – Destigmatizing substance dependence and promoting understanding of addiction as a medical condition can significantly reduce social prejudices. In addition, crucial steps involve making investments and implementing initiatives to expand and enhance rehabilitation infrastructure, by addressing the shortage of facilities. Collaborations between governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sectors are vital for developing accessible and effective treatment facilities. Creating an environment of empathy and education, coupled with increased allocation of resources, is the key in overcoming the challenges posed by insufficient rehabilitation facilities and social stigma. This comprehensive approach contributes to improved outcomes for individuals seeking substance abuse treatment.
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