NCJ Number
220401
Date Published
September 2007
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This paper provides a brief overview of the nationally recognized Access to Recovery (ATR) program providing treatment services and recovery support services for illicit drug or alcohol abuse.
Abstract
The Access to Recovery (ATR) program was launched in 2003 providing vouchers for treatment services, as well as recovery support services. For over 3 years, the U.S. Congress has appropriated $300 million in funding for ATR to 14 States and 1 tribal organization, with a request for an additional $98.2 million in the FY 2007 budget to 24 grantees. ATR offers independent client choice among eligible substance abuse clinical treatment and recovery support service providers, expands access to a broad array of clinical treatment and support options, and increases substance abuse treatment capacity. Highlights of ATR client outcomes are: (1) of those clients who reported using substances at intake, 71.4 percent were abstinent at discharge; (2) of those clients who were unemployed at intake, 22.3 percent reported being employed at discharge; and (3) of those involved with the criminal justice system at intake, 84.7 percent reported no involvement at discharge. As of March 2007, the ATR program has provided treatment to over 170,000 individuals with substance abuse problems, exceeding the targeted 125,000 and expanded treatment and recovery by devoting 31 percent of funding to faith and community organizations.