NCJ Number
150474
Date Published
1993
Length
132 pages
Annotation
This study reviews the scientific literature on socioeconomic evaluations (methods that enumerate the cost and consequences) of untreated drug addictions and addictions treatment.
Abstract
The term "socioeconomic evaluation" includes more specific terms, such as cost-of-illness, cost-benefit, cost- effectiveness, and cost-offset analysis. Following an introduction to the technical proposal, two chapters discuss methods of socioeconomic evaluation and cost-of-illness studies of addictions. Remaining chapters address addictions treatment in general clinical populations, in workforce populations, in criminal justice populations, and with pregnant women. The study concludes that addictions are costly to society, and these costs can be substantially reduced through treatment. With the exception of alcohol and other drug-affected infants, all populations show strong treatment costs offset and high cost-benefit ratios. Alcohol and other drug-affected infants have not received adequate scientific attention that would permit conclusions, but the potential for dramatic cost-benefit ratios is apparent. Cost-effectiveness research in addictions has had limited application in the addictions field because of the ethical dilemmas. Because of these difficulties, future research depends on skilled assessment of patient needs and matching to appropriate treatment. Significant national efforts have been undertaken in this area, and information should be forthcoming on this matter. A related area that treatment- matching research will clarify is the elements of a quality continuum of care, including the intensity and length of treatment. Chapter figures and tables and 68 references