NCJ Number
161238
Date Published
1994
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This summary of studies performed by many State alcohol and drug abuse agencies on the effectiveness of treatment for alcohol and other drug problems concludes that both national and State studies convincingly demonstrate the positive impacts of treatment on clients, State budgets, and society.
Abstract
The analysis reviews the extent of use and problems related to alcohol and other drugs in the country, the number of people needing treatment, and the estimated cost of alcohol and other drug problems. The discussion notes that a California-based comprehensive study revealed that $1 in treatment for alcohol and other drug problems saved taxpayers $7.14 in future costs, compared to a savings of $3.38 per dollar spent on prenatal care, $10 for each dollar spent on immunizations, $3.13 for each dollar spent on nutrition programs, and $3 for each dollar spent on preschool education. The discussion notes that some of the most important savings go to agencies other than those making the expenditures for treatment. This finding reinforces the need for greater cross-systems linkages and for coverage of alcohol and other drug treatment in health care benefits, which will reduce health care costs and criminal justice expenditures and increase workers' productivity. Figures, reference notes, and address of State alcohol and drug abuse directors