Discovery Addiction Services spotlights high-risk groups during Substance Use Prevention Month

Discovery Addiction Services is using Substance Use Prevention Month to emphasize targeted care for people most at risk, including veterans, first responders, teens, and young adults. The eight-center network says its measurement-based model and step-down treatment options are designed to improve outcomes across California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Washington.

Why it matters: - Substance use prevention is more effective when treatment matches the risks faced by specific groups, including trauma-exposed workers and younger people navigating major life changes. - Discovery Addiction Services is positioning itself around that approach during October’s Substance Use Prevention Month, a national observance promoted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

What happened: - Discovery Addiction Services marked Substance Use Prevention Month by focusing on the populations most at risk for substance use disorders. - The network offers specialized programs for veterans, first responders, young adults, teens ages 13 to 17, executives, airline professionals, people living with chronic pain, and families. - Program availability varies by center.

The details: - Veterans and first responders often face repeated exposure to trauma, which can increase the risk of using alcohol or drugs to cope. - Young adults ages 18 to 25 face independence, identity changes and new pressures, and standard programs are not always built for that life stage. - Each program is designed to address co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety and PTSD alongside addiction. - Patients can move through medically supervised detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care and online treatment. - Therapy options include CBT, DBT, individual sessions, group sessions, family programming, yoga, meditation, art and music. - Discovery Addiction Services measures 27 wellness indicators before, during and after treatment. - The measurement-based approach was verified by Mass General Brigham, a teaching hospital of Harvard. - Among former patients, 99% report they can identify their triggers and know when to ask for help. - Among former patients, 97% say they understand how to control their symptoms. - After discharge, patients receive free access to the Discovery365 app for one year of follow-up support. - Patients also get lifelong alumni groups and events through Discovery for Life. - The network includes Brookdale in Scotrun, Pennsylvania; Casa Palmera in Del Mar, California; Cliffside Malibu and Cliffside West Los Angeles in California; New Hope Ranch in Manor, Texas; PARC in Houston, Texas; Pinelands in Medford, New Jersey; and Prosperity in Tacoma, Washington. - Discovery Addiction Services is in-network with most major carriers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Kaiser, Optum, TriWest and UnitedHealthcare. - Select centers accept Medicaid plans. - The admissions team is available 24/7 to verify coverage.

Between the lines: - The emphasis on measurement-based care and long-term follow-up suggests Discovery Addiction Services is trying to show outcomes, not just access to treatment. - The mix of population-specific programs and multiple levels of care reflects a broader push in addiction treatment toward tailoring care to risk, age and comorbid mental health needs.

What's next: - Discovery Addiction Services will likely continue using Prevention Month to highlight specialized programs and support resources. - Patients discharged from treatment can continue engaging through the Discovery365 app and Discovery for Life alumni network.

The bottom line: - Discovery Addiction Services is framing prevention as targeted care for the people most likely to need it, backed by measurement, step-down treatment and post-discharge support.