Although it has been shown that individuals with substance use disorders can often benefit from treatment, only an estimated 1 in 10 persons needing addiction treatment actually receives it. Further, fewer than half of those who enter treatment stay long enough in a treatment program to benefit from it. Some people with problems from substance use do not seek treatment because they feel they are able to resolve their problems within their communities or recover on their own, but a larger proportion of individuals do not seek treatment because of barriers to treatment access. Individuals in treatment also experience additional barriers that prevent them from staying in treatment.

Issues of treatment access and retention are currently very important. As the public substance use treatment system shifts ...