Every dawn, a significant number of people gather in long queues outside Acadia Healthcare's addiction clinics. These individuals are seeking a crucial dose of methadone, which serves as a lifeline in their battle against opioid addiction. The daily administration of methadone not only helps them avoid the painful withdrawal symptoms but also deters them from turning to more dangerous street drugs like fentanyl.

Acadia's Lucrative Revenue

Acadia Healthcare, with its chain of 165 methadone clinics - the largest in the country - has achieved remarkable financial success. Since 2022, it has generated over $1.3 billion in revenue. The company's chief executive expressed great confidence in this business model, stating that it is a venture they are proud of.

The Deceptive Underbelly

However, a New York Times investigation has uncovered a disturbing truth. Methadone is a narcotic, and these clinics are subject to strict federal and state regulations. Alongside providing methadone, they are mandated to offer counseling and other essential services such as drug testing. But, according to dozens of current and former employees from 22 out of the 33 states where the company operates, Acadia often fails to fulfill this obligation. In some cases, employees have been found to falsify medical records that Acadia uses to bill insurers. For instance, in Iowa, a patient's medical chart showed a 40-minute counseling session in December 2023, yet the patient herself claimed it was actually a brief hallway chat lasting less than five minutes.

Overburdened Counselors and Assembly-Line Clinics

Acadia's business model heavily relies on volume. Its counselors are often handling caseloads that exceed the limits set by state regulators. Employee reports and inspection records reveal that these counselors are sometimes dealing with double the recommended number of patients. With such a large number of clients, the clinics have transformed into assembly lines, providing little more than a cup of methadone. The focus seems to be on quantity rather than quality, leaving many patients feeling neglected.

The Impact on Patients

The consequences of Acadia's practices are far-reaching. Patients rely on these clinics for comprehensive care, not just a temporary fix. When counseling is lacking and medical records are falsified, it undermines the trust between patients and the healthcare system. Patients may not receive the support they need to truly overcome their addiction. Moreover, the assembly-line approach can lead to a sense of detachment and disillusionment among patients, making it harder for them to stay on the path to recovery.