Unlocking Success: How DEIB Strategies Can Transform Addiction Treatment and Boost Your Bottom Line

Despite their best effort, addiction treatment centers struggle to provide quality care.

Here are some statistics that really highlight how we’re not where we should be:

• 48.7 million Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in 2022.
• Only 6% of those needing treatment actually received it.
• Black Americans are less likely to complete addiction treatment programs, with a completion rate of 62.6% compared to 76.7% for white Americans.

These numbers reveal a significant gap in care delivery especially for marginalized communities.

Which is why a focus on DEIB offers a surprising solution to not only improve patient outcomes but to also boost your bottom line. By implementing DEIB strategies, treatment centers can tap into underserved markets and improve overall patient outcomes.

So, why isn’t everyone implementing DEIB?

The biggest roadblock to implementing a DEIB solution, is the assumption of how expensive a roll-out might be.

But the truth is, implementing a bespoke program is not as expensive as some people think:

1. Cost-effective options: There are various DEI services available at different price points, allowing organizations to choose options that fit your budget. For example: E-learning modules are available for as low as $200 and are infinitely scalable. Single instructor-led training sessions can be as low as $500 per session Keynote lectures from experts are available as low as $1,000
2. Cost of inaction: Not implementing DEI initiatives can be more expensive in the long run. A lack of DEI initiatives is estimated to cost American companies $64 billion annually due to employee turnover resulting from unfairness and discrimination
3. Internal resources: Organizations can leverage existing resources and partnerships to implement DEI initiatives, such as creating employee resource groups or incorporating DEI training into existing professional development programs
4. ROI potential: Many organizations report positive returns on their DEI investments. 71% of companies with mature DEI programs view their DEI ROI as very positive

While the cost of accessing DEIB solutions are lower than they’ve ever been, the benefits continue to grow and impact the lives of all those who engage with DEIB aligned businesses in meaningful ways:

1. Inclusive leadership with research showing that companies with robust DEI initiatives are better able to respond to challenges, win top talent, and meet diverse customer needs5.
2. The need for culturally competent addiction treatment is needed more than ever and providing excellent care to diverse populations, you can meet that need. 7.
3. Legal compliance: Many DEIB practices are required for compliance with existing anti-discrimination laws and regulations, which are unlikely to change dramatically even under a new administration 4.
4. Fairness and Merit: DEIB initiatives help ensure all employees have equal opportunities to succeed based on their skills and contributions, rather than as preferential treatment4.