NCJ Number
136595
Date Published
1990
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the drug treatment system in New York State concludes that the system needs expansion and restructuring if it is to provide meaningful service to the 2 million New Yorkers with alcohol and drug problems.
Abstract
The three main areas requiring attention are adequate funding to expand the system, assistance to providers in finding facility sites and overcoming community opposition, and ensuring an adequate and trained staff. Treatment works and is cost-effective. However, the current treatment system focuses on individual drugs rather than the cross-addiction that is most common today. In addition, many existing programs are inadequate for adolescents, women with children, and pregnant women. To address these problems, the State should adopt the following seven policy goals: (1) treatment on demand, (2) a sensible continuum of care, (3) service to special population, (4) consolidation of State agencies, (5) interagency coordination, (6) reform of prevention and education strategies, and (7) establishment of workforce development strategies for treatment personnel. The State has made a good start, but needs to focus on implementing these long-range goals. Figures and list of participants in policy discussions