A blunt exposé of rehab industry

Author offers sobering view ‘Inside Rehab’

Anne Fletcher: ‘Most people overcome their problem by going to AA or doing it on their own’

By Robb Murray
Mankato Free Press Staff Writer

Anne Fletcher is blunt when it comes to the alcohol and drug addiction recovery industry.

“The industry really is a mess,” the local author said. “This is the Wild West.”

And she should know. Fletcher’s latest book, “Inside Rehab,” is an indictment on the industry. The book goes in depth in its examination of 15 treatment centers across the country, including high-priced so-called “celebrity rehab” facilities as well as such venerable places such as Minnesota’s Hazelden.

What did she find?

A lot.

Fletcher’s research shows there are roughly 22 million people in the U.S. with a serious drug or alcohol problem, and only one in 10 seeks help. Research also shows, however, that most people who overcome their addictions never set foot in a treatment program.

“Most people overcome their problem by going to AA,” she said, “or doing it on their own.”

Which isn’t to say she endorses Alcoholics Anonymous. Quite the contrary. Part of her book delves deeply into the fact that, in many cases, people are never told there are other options beyond AA, such as Smart Recovery.

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