NCJ Number
172716
Date Published
1998
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This document presents recommendations from the Join Together Policy Panel on Addiction Treatment and Recovery.
Abstract
The panel made six recommendations: (1) Treatment for alcoholism and other drug addiction must be covered as a health benefit on an equal basis with treatment for other diseases; (2) There should be a broad-based, national campaign to educate the public and build political support for expanded access to treatment; (3) Research on the nature and treatment of addiction and recovery should be expanded, with results more promptly and easily accessible to professionals, policy makers and the public; (4) Education and training on the nature of addiction and recovery should be required for all health, mental health, social service and justice system professionals; (5) Treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction must be monitored by independent treatment managers with no vested financial interests in order to ensure ongoing treatment effectiveness; and (6) Diagnosis, treatment and long-term recovery must be integrated into a coordinated, community-wide strategy to reduce alcohol and other drug problems, a strategy that includes economic development, health and mental health care, the justice system and other key institutions. Notes, figure, resources, appendixes