Confessions from a Retired Addiction Treatment CEO: The Industry Keeps ‘Recycling Solutions’
By Ashleigh Hollowell
August 18, 2026
Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash
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This is an exclusive BHB+ story.
After a remarkable career spanning over 50 years in addiction treatment and behavioral health, a retired CEO of one of the largest nonprofit treatment systems has shared insights with Behavioral Health Business, highlighting the industry’s tendency to "recycle solutions."
"The more things change, the more they seem the same… they’re kind of like fashion. We recycle trends." — Former Addiction Treatment CEO
While trend recycling might be acceptable in the fashion world, it can hinder progress within the addiction treatment field. The former CEO notes that while aspects of past treatments have been integrated into modern care, such as grouping alcohol use disorder with other substance use disorders (SUD), siloing SUD and behavioral health care persists in many places.
Funding for SUD treatment organizations remains a constant challenge, evolving over time from criminal justice-driven funding to a more diverse mix of sources. However, the former CEO emphasizes the ongoing struggle:
"The whole disease was dealt with from the criminal justice point of view… I think the most difficult thing… was trying to capture the funding through law enforcement for treatment, but also move the messaging along the healthcare spectrum…"
Challenges and Opportunities:
- Stigma and Discrimination: Despite progress, stigma and discrimination against individuals seeking SUD treatment remain.
- Sustainable Approach: To improve SUD treatment, a sustainable approach is required, focusing on policy, payment, and data systems that acknowledge addiction as a healthcare issue.
- Intentional Governance: Organizations that will thrive in the face of 2026’s challenges need disciplined strategies tailored to available resources.
This conversation delves into the industry’s responsibility for its issues and explores how leaders within it can drive positive change.