New Research Highlights Exploitative Marketing in Addiction Recovery Space

Content analysis of substance use disorder recovery discourse on X (formally known as Twitter): From personal recovery narratives to marketing of addiction treatment

A recent study analyzing 186,460 recovery-related tweets found that nearly 1 in 3 posts contained addiction treatment marketing—some promoting scientifically unsupported services. While social media can provide vital peer support, it is also being used to target vulnerable individuals with misleading claims.

At EMCAT, we believe that addiction treatment marketing should be ethical, evidence-based, and fully transparent. The UK has existing regulations, but non-compliance is rife, and enforcement is weak—we need action to stop unregulated, misleading promotions from preying on those seeking help.

Have you seen questionable addiction treatment marketing online? Share your thoughts below

#EthicalAddictionMarketing #RecoverySupport #AddictionTreatment