EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ADDICTION TREATMENTS - REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS, APPROPRIATE COMPARISONS

Problems of alcohol and drug dependence are costly to society in terms of lost productivity, social disorder, and avoidable health care util ization. The dollar costs of alcohol and drug use run into billions of dollars, and from one-eighth to one-sixth of all deaths can be traced to this source. However, the efficacy of treatment for addiction is o ften questioned. A rationale for reasonable expectations of addiction treatments is offered, from which are derived three out come criteria for judging the effectiveness of treatments: reduction in substance us e; improvement in personal health and social function; and reduction i n public health and safety risks. Based on these criteria, treatment w as shown to be effective, especially when compared with alternatives l ike no treatment or incarceration. These evaluations, which were condu cted in a scientific manner, support the continued value of public spe nding for carefully monitored treatment of addiction.