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Groups Recover Together 2026 Annual Outcomes Report

In the evolving landscape of addiction treatment, Groups Recover Together stands out as a leader, making significant strides in public health outcomes. On February 9, 2026, the organization released its Annual Outcomes Report, which highlights remarkable advancements in addiction care, particularly in treatment retention, mortality reduction, and cost-effectiveness. The findings not only underscore the efficiency of their model but also showcase their commitment to compassionate, community-based care.

Overview of Key Findings

The report reveals a multitude of encouraging statistics:

• - Mortality Rates: Groups has demonstrated a mortality rate more than 3.5 times lower than the national average for individuals treated for opioid use disorder using buprenorphine or methadone. Additionally, the mortality figure is eight times lower than those not receiving treatment.
• - Treatment Retention: The organization achieved a retention rate over six months that is three times higher than national benchmarks. This statistic is critical, indicating that individuals are not only starting treatment but are also continuing with it, a key factor in recovery.
• - Remission Rates: Individuals who remained engaged with treatment for more than 180 days reached near 100% remission, marked by 90 days without an illicit opioid.
• - Rapid Access to Care: Groups’ innovative approach ensures that individuals seeking help can schedule an appointment within just one business day, thanks to their 24/7 Recovery Access Center.
• - Cost Savings: Financial studies indicate that Groups offers a 30-40% reduction in total care costs compared to traditional outpatient and residential treatment options, largely due to enhanced retention and decreased need for emergency services.

Impact on the Community

The 2026 report does more than just present numbers; it tells a story about the lives transformed through effective care. In 2025 alone, Groups facilitated intake appointments for over 21,000 individuals, many of whom faced significant barriers to accessing treatment, including living in rural areas and having a history of justice involvement. In fact, over 70% of their clients live in remote locations, 69% have had interactions with the criminal justice system, and 72% meet criteria for severe opioid use disorder according to DSM-V standards.

commitment to compassionate care

Cooper Zelnick, the CEO of Groups Recover Together, emphasized the importance of access to high-quality treatment, stating, "Every person deserves access to compassionate, high-quality treatment. Our results not only showcase that it’s possible to scale effective outcomes nationally, but they also align the interests of individuals, providers, and financial stakeholders."

His thoughts highlight an essential truth in addiction care: by treating individuals with dignity and meeting them in their environment, we can significantly reduce the broader societal impact of substance use disorders. Groups’ abiding focus on treating the whole person, incorporating both medical and psychosocial interventions, sets a precedent for the future.

Looking Ahead

As the challenge of substance use disorders continues to evolve, Groups Recover Together plans to deepen its impact in 2026, aiming to reach more communities and optimize their treatment protocols. Their commitment to investing in both their members and methodologies promises to foster even greater positive outcomes. Observing their trajectory offers hope to countless individuals and families affected by addiction.

For more detailed information, you can access the full 2026 Annual Outcomes Report here. Together, through continued support and innovative practices, we can work toward making a significant difference in the fight against addiction.

About Groups Recover Together

Established in 2014, Groups Recover Together focuses on providing value-based care for those affected by substance use disorders, particularly in communities hit hardest by the opioid crisis. Their comprehensive approach integrates medication, therapy, and personal support for recovery while collaborating with partners and stakeholders in the healthcare landscape. To learn more, visit joingroups.com.