#None #Carrum Health #Substance Use Disorder #Cannabis Treatment

Carrum Health Expands Its Treatment Offerings

Carrum Health, a leading player in value-based specialty care, has broadened its scope of treatment for substance use disorders to address a variety of substances including cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine. This move is in response to a significant growth in employer demand as organizations recognize the need for comprehensive solutions to an increasingly pressing workforce issue.

Addressing the Rising Demand

As of today, more than 100 employers are utilizing Carrum's enhanced substance use treatment program, which marks a sharp increase from just one pilot program with a Fortune 50 retailer back in 2023. The expansion comes at a critical time as substance use rates among U.S. employees continue to rise. Recent data indicates that approximately 29 million American workers, or one in six adults, are currently facing challenges related to substance use disorders. Worryingly, 10% of U.S. employees struggle with cannabis or stimulant use disorders, issues exacerbated by the increased availability of substances and misconceptions regarding their safety and effects.

The Changing Landscape of Substance Use

The rise in cannabis use can be attributed to the proliferation of over 15,000 dispensaries across 41 states, along with an alarming trend where the potency of THC has increased by 35% since its legalization. Additionally, stimulant prescriptions have surged by 20% year-over-year, signifying a troubling normalization of substance use within workplace cultures. This situation is further complicated by the growing presence of fentanyl-laced versions of cocaine and methamphetamine, which present significant health risks to users.

Christoph Dankert, Carrum Health's Chief Network Officer, stated, "Recognizing the urgent need expressed by our employer partners, we expanded our service offerings to ensure we could meet their expectations with a standard of care that aligns with Carrum's commitment to excellence."

The Cost Crisis and Solution

The financial implications of untreated substance use disorders are stark. Behavioral health care leads all specialties in out-of-network spending, reaching 25-30%. Specifically, the cost of substance use treatment has surged up to 40% for services that are out-of-network, as highlighted in a recent study by Harvard Medical School published in Health Affairs. Employers reflect this trend; 73% have reported an increase in the utilization of such services, and 90% anticipate further growth in demand, as detailed in the Business Group on Health's annual survey for 2026.

Carrum previously conducted a successful pilot program for alcohol and opioid use treatment, demonstrating effective cost savings and clinical outcomes, which laid the groundwork for this expanded offering.

Proven Framework for Treatment

Carrum Health's innovative approach to substance use treatment comes packaged as a value-based service. The treatment bundles are rooted in the frameworks established in their successful opioid and alcohol programs, ensuring that service providers are held accountable for recovery outcomes through bundled payments that cover the entire treatment cycle. This model promotes improved results, focusing on sobriety and reduction in problematic use, as opposed to merely discharging patients after the least expensive treatment.

The company's expansive network features rigorously vetted Centers of Excellence (COEs), including renowned institutions like Hazelden Betty Ford and Recovery Centers of America. Each member in need of assistance will undergo a professional and confidential intake process, leading to a quick connection with appropriate care providers tailored to their specific level of need.

Carrum Health's integration of a value-based payment model for addiction treatment is designed to cut costs by up to 45% through better management of hospital readmissions and the application of effective care methodologies. With an ongoing commitment to evolving healthcare delivery, Carrum Health aims not only to enhance recovery outcomes but also to optimize cost efficiencies for both employers and their employees.

For further information on Carrum Health and the changes in treatment offerings, please visit their official website.

This expansion represents a critical step in addressing the staggering costs and dire consequences of substance use disorders in the workplace, potentially reshaping how companies approach this growing challenge.