Publisher's Synopsis
This document is designed to provide the context in which the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Committee on Benefits has been working to develop an outcome-based system for the purchase of substance abuse treatment services. In order to understand why a new approach is needed, it is important to understand the current substance abuse treatment system and the environment in which it operates. This document presents a review of the effect of substance abuse in America, as well as what the societal response to it has been, particularly focusing on treatment. The financing of the treatment system is analyzed. Current outcome measurement activities are described, as are current performance indicators. This is followed by a review of managed care. Finally, this document discusses issues related to the purchase of treatment outcome and its policy implications.
