THE ROLE OF EVALUATION RESEARCH IN DRUG-ABUSE POLICY

Psychologists and other social scientists have contributed to the rapi d emergence of evaluation research for social programs in the last 25 years, especially in its application to questions about accountability and efficacy of publicly funded treatment services for substance abus ers. In 1995, the amount of federal funds for reducing demand for drug s through prevention and treatment efforts totals nearly $5 billion, a bout one third the amount allocated for enforcement activities aimed a t reducing the supply. Under the general leadership of the late S.B. S ells, our research group at Texas Christian University became involved in this field of work during the 1960s through the unique combination of our professional training, research and methodological capabilitie s, commitment to the study of applied social problems, and favorable o pportunities. This article reviews highlights of the historical contex t, implementation, and impact of our research program in order to help illustrate the role psychologists have had in shaping public policy i n the drug abuse field.