Innovation in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

Upward Health’s Addiction Program by the Numbers

Foundational to Upward Health’s treatment approach is the whole-person model of care. We recognize that patients have needs across a spectrum; our treatment spans physical, behavioral, and social health domains for this reason. Each domain has specialized offerings and capabilities. Within our behavioral health offering, this article focuses on our strategy to address substance use disorders. Our Addiction Program has made a powerful impact on patients with alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and other substance use disorders. We have brought together some of the most talented experts in the field to ensure that our approach and services make a difference in the lives of our patients.

Here is a look at some current statistics in the field of substance use treatment and how each relates to a component of our Addiction Program:

This is the number of individuals in need of treatment for a substance use disorder. For this reason, Upward Health adheres to the “no wrong door” approach. All patients are assessed for their risk of substance use disorder and, because addiction is linked to poor outcomes in a wide range of physical health conditions, assessments cover all facets of a patient’s physical, behavioral, and social health.

This is the percent of individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder and serious mental illness who receive treatment for both needs. At Upward Health, we treat the whole person and recognize that a patient’s mental health condition greatly impacts their substance use disorder and vice versa.

This is the number of individuals who have a visit with a provider within 30 days of an emergency department visit for a substance use disorder. Upward Health prioritizes engaging patients during these events and is in contact with a patient within 48 hours of discharge to ensure all patients have a provider visit within 14 days, if not 7 days.

This is the average number of attempts that it takes an individual to achieve recovery. For this reason, long-term engagement is critical for addiction; patients need time and space to engage. Our longitudinal program affords patients the time needed to achieve their goal without the pressure of a time-limited approach and swift discharge.

This is the number of people who died of an overdose during the height of COVID-19. There is an unprecedented need for treatment options. Our program is committed to offering a range of services – from addiction counseling to medication-assisted treatment – delivered both in-person and virtually through our multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and peer support specialists to ensure we can meet the unique needs and preferences of our patients.