News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz The Sunrise Treatment and Recovery Centre building is seen on Monday in Alpena. Madeleine McConnell, Sunrise Treatment and Recovery Centre CEO, said that from 2023 to 2024 more individuals sought treatment for substance use.

ALPENA — A local recovery organization says that between 2023 and 2024 more individuals sought substance use treatment, mirroring a 2024 national survey on drug use and health statistics.

Madeleine McConnell, Sunrise Treatment and Recovery Centre CEO, told The News that the center saw an increase of individuals seeking substance use treatment between 2023 and 2024, likely due to positive messaging surrounding recovery.

McConnell explained that the goal of the center is to ensure those struggling with substance use disorders receive the proper support for recovery success.

“We want to see more people feel strong and confident in their recovery,” McConnell said.

McConnell stated that the center often works with individuals who are “in the strongest part of their struggles.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of people aged 12 or older who were classified as needing substance use treatment in the past year, about 1 in 5 (19.3% or 10.2 million people) received treatment.

McConnell explained that it is hard for treatment centers to track individuals’ success after they leave recovery because the bandwidth to collect that kind of data is beyond most of their capabilities, due to funding, support, and related factors.

“Usually if people are doing really well, we don’t hear from them,” McConnell said.

McConnell stated that larger treatment center networks have more extensive alumni networks in which they are able to collect that kind of recovery data more easily.

“I would love that information,” McConnell said. “Data collection in this field is challenging.”

HHS also reported that of those 12 years or older in 2024, 58.3% used tobacco products, vaped nicotine, used alcohol, or used an illicit drug in the past month. Of adolescents 12 to 17, 71.5% only vaped nicotine and did not use tobacco products. Of young adults aged 18 to 25, 50.3% also only vaped nicotine and did not use tobacco products. The percentage of people 12 or older with an alcohol use disorder in the past year decreased from 10.6% in 2021 to 9.7% in 2024, according to HHS.

The HHS 2024 survey also reported that one in five (19.3%) of people aged 12 or older in 2024 who were classified as needing substance use treatment received treatment in the past year. Among the 27.9 million people aged 12 or older with an alcohol use disorder in 2024, 2.5% received medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD).

Jason Beatty, owner and founder of Freedom Recovery Center, told The News that MAUD is effective in supporting recovery.

“MAUD is currently the most effective and life-saving treatment for alcohol use disorder when combined with other modalities such as 12 step programs and counseling,” said Beatty. “With the proper support and meeting others in recovery, folks suffering stand the best possible chance at success.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.