Prevalence of Recovery Homes, and Selected States’ Investigations and Oversight

Substance Use Disorder: Prevalence of Recovery Homes, and Selected States’ Investigations and Oversight – Highlights of Testimony Given to the Senate Finance Committee provided by the Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Substance abuse and illicit drug use, including the use of heroin and the misuse of alcohol and prescription opioids, is a growing problem in the United States. Individuals with a substance use disorder may face challenges in remaining drug- and alcohol-free. Recovery homes can offer safe, supportive, drug- and alcohol-free housing to help these individuals maintain their sobriety and can be an important resource for recovering individuals. However, as GAO reported in March 2018, some states have conducted investigations of potentially fraudulent practices in some recovery homes. This statement describes (1) what is known about the prevalence of recovery homes across the United States; and (2) investigations and actions selected states have undertaken to oversee such homes. Click here to read the entire report.