Expanding Comprehensive Substance Use Disorder Treatment to Meet Employer Needs

We recently announced that we are expanding our substance use treatment program to cover nearly all substances, going beyond alcohol and opioids. This strategic expansion aligns with the growing demand from employers seeking effective, value-based care solutions to address substance use issues.

With over 29 million working-age adults in the U.S. struggling with at least one substance use disorder, and employers facing surging out-of-network behavioral health costs, this expansion offers a timely, impactful approach for managing treatment quality and healthcare spend.

Types of substance use addressed by Carrum Health

Substance use disorders encompass a broad spectrum of substances, requiring tailored treatment to achieve lasting recovery. Carrum Health’s program now comprehensively covers:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Opioid use disorder, including prescription painkillers and heroin
• Cannabis use disorder, amidst rapidly increasing potency and availability
• Sedative misuse such as benzodiazepines
• Stimulant misuse including cocaine, methamphetamine, and ADHD medications

Nearly 1 in 6 U.S. working adults struggle with substance use, with cannabis and stimulant disorders rising sharply. Carrum Health connects members quickly and confidentially to the appropriate level of specialized care, including inpatient detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and partial hospitalization through its network of vetted Centers of Excellence.

Employer-centered, value-based treatment model

Carrum Health’s approach centers on a value-based, bundled payment model that holds treatment providers accountable for sustained recovery, not just volume of services. This model has demonstrated a reduction in relapse and readmission rates by approximately 50% compared to industry averages. By partnering with renowned Centers of Excellence, including Hazelden Betty Ford and Recovery Centers of America, Carrum ensures members receive evidence-based care aligned with nationally recognized guidelines.

Employers benefit from:

• A confidential intake process managed by licensed counselors, ensuring members quickly connect to the appropriate level of care—whether inpatient detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient, or partial hospitalization.
• Significant reductions in out-of-network behavioral health spending, which has ballooned to 25 to 30%, with substance use disorder-related costs surging nearly 40%.
• Improved workforce productivity and reduced absenteeism by addressing underlying substance-related health issues through comprehensive care and support.
• Access to transparent reporting and care navigation technology that enables employers to track outcomes and control costs effectively.

The importance of integrated care and recovery support services

Carrum Health’s substance use disorder treatment program goes beyond initial clinical intervention by offering integrated care designed to address both behavioral and physical health needs. This holistic approach ensures that employees receive continuous support throughout the entire recovery journey, which is proven to improve long-term outcomes and reduce relapse rates.

Central to this model is Carrum’s robust recovery support system, which includes care navigation to connect members to appropriate treatment resources including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), telehealth counseling, and relapse prevention programs. By maintaining ongoing engagement beyond inpatient or outpatient episodes, Carrum facilitates sustained recovery, helping employees return to and remain productive at work.

For self-insured employers, this integrated care approach delivers measurable benefits, not only in terms of lowering healthcare costs but also in enhancing employee wellbeing and overall workforce resilience.

Statistical insights highlighting the urgency

The need for expanded, effective substance use treatment is underscored by recent statistics saying:

• Only about one in five individuals who could benefit from substance use treatment receive it annually in the U.S., revealing a large treatment gap.
• Behavioral health out-of-network claims represent a significant and growing portion of employer healthcare costs.
• Stimulant prescriptions have increased by 20% year-over-year, with many patients exposed to medium-to-high doses.(e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Concerta)
• Employers report a 73% increase in utilization of substance use disorder-related services, with 90% anticipating continued growth.

This expansion of substance use disorder treatment enables employers, large and small, to comprehensively address the multifaceted epidemic of substance use disorders. It delivers clinical excellence, cost containment, and enhanced care coordination in one scalable solution, while addressing one of today’s most pressing behavioral health crises.