Reveal Why Rehab Often Fuels Relapse Instead of Recovery
Aug 27, 2025
Shoshana Walter, a staff writer at The Marshall Project and author of "Rehab, An American Scandal," delves into the chaotic landscape of America’s rehab industry. She examines how the system often exploits patients, leading to higher relapse rates. The discussion highlights stark racial disparities in treatment, revealing how the opioid crisis intersects with past drug epidemics. Walter also discusses the puzzling decline in overdose deaths while cautioning against complacency, reflecting on the need for compassionate approaches in addressing addiction.
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Insurance Growth Fueled Profit-First Rehab
- The U.S. rehab industry expanded with insurance coverage but shifted toward billable, profit-driven care.
- That shift often prioritized short, 30-day programs that increase overdose risk after discharge.
Court-Ordered Rehab As Unpaid Labor
- Some court-ordered rehabs force participants into unpaid labor for third-party companies, profiting large corporations.
- These programs trace to models like Synanon and persist across many states with weak oversight.
Short Stays Raise Post-Rehab Overdose Risk
- Completing a 30-day rehab can raise overdose risk because abstinence lowers opioid tolerance.
- Many insurers predominantly cover 30-day stays, creating a dangerous treatment cliff on discharge.
