Last Updated: June 2024

Author: Division of Substance Use Programs, Vermont Department of Health

Treatment for a substance use disorder is a process that requires commitment from both the person seeking treatment and the treatment provider staff as well as coordination of the client's care between substance use disorder treatment providers and other medical and community resources.  In addition, people with substance use disorders need to be supported and included as a valued part of their communities.  There are several levels of state-funded treatment that are available to addicted individuals including:

1. Outpatient
2. Intensive outpatient
3. Residential
4. Case management
5. Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

Each of these treatment options has several possible outcomes:

1. Treatment completion
2. Transferred for further care
3. Dropped out
4. Terminated
5. Other (e.g. incarcerated, died, moved, became ill, were hospitalized)

For the purposes of these calculations, we exclude reasons that are outside the provider's control:  Incarceration, death, wrong level of care.

The Division of Substance Use Programs (DSU) seeks to maximize treatment completion or transfer to another appropriate level of care to continue treatment with the understanding that addiction is best viewed as a chronic disease requiring continuing care. The DSU goal for this measure is that 50% of clients complete treatment or are transferred.  DSU has made significant investments to increase the availability of peer recovery support services through the statewide network of Recovery Centers.  Recovery Coaches can be invaluable in supporting people to remain in treatment.

These data are derived from the Vermont Substance Abuse Treatment Information System (SATIS).

DSU network of preferred providers, clients engaged in the treatment process, Recovery Centers and recovery coaches.

Combined efforts between treatment providers, clients, and communities; placement at an appropriate level of care; safe environment; evidence-based treatment approaches; client social, community and recovery, supports.

Continue providing support to the preferred provider network and encouraging treatment completion among clients.