NCJ Number
195264
Journal
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2001 Pages: 329-337
Date Published
2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper identifies the opportunities presented by California's Proposition 36 in the development of a collaboration between the criminal justice and treatment systems that will link cost-effective intervention to support drug offender recovery; it features the recommendations of the California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM).
Abstract
The CSAM represents approximately 400 physicians with diverse specialties who are active in treatment, research, and academia. The CSAM recommends support for only evidence-based treatments, the development of clinical and outcomes database in advance, the creation of a funding mechanism for randomized urine screens, the institution of a funding methodology, and the use of process assessments and funding revocation criteria. Regarding effective treatment, the CSAM recommends the expansion and legitimization of opioid replacement therapies, as well as the implementation of a full range of addiction treatment programs that range from simple education programs to highly structured residential programs. CSAM recommendations for an instrument toolkit include the development of a three-part database (common data, program-specific data, and outcomes/research-specific data); the use of required outcomes assessments in advance; and the routine administration of the Addiction Severity Index. Regarding fiscal issues, the CSAM recommends 3-year funding cycles, allocation methodology, review of funding sources, and the development of process assessment and funding revocation criteria. Among CSAM's public policy and legislative recommendations are the holding of joint criminal justice and treatment provider conferences and the credentialing of programs and providers. 6 references and appended charts of efficacy of treatment modalities, medications in addiction treatment, and urine testing and detection limits