Panel Says California Wasting Billions in Drug FightMarch 14, 2003
Research Summary
The Little Hoover Commission said that the billions of dollars California spends on fighting or responding to addiction would be put to better use on coordinated prevention, treatment, and enforcement programs, the Associated Press reported March 12.The panel called for improving the quality and quantity of addiction treatment, and spending money to ensure that high-quality treatment is available to state residents.
According to the state advisory commission, California spends $11 billion a year on addiction-related expenses. In addition, California government and private enterprises spend $32 billion a year fighting addiction.
But the commission's report shows that most of the state spending goes to treat the symptoms of addiction and related services, such as healthcare, foster care, police and prisons, education, and child welfare. Only a small portion of the money is actually spent on treatment and prevention.
The commission recommended establishing a state council that would be charged with coordinating treatment programs; linking treatment with job placement, housing, mental health, education and other services to help addicted individuals become healthy and self-sufficient; and measuring the success of treatment alternatives.
"Public agencies have been so concerned about expanding the supply of treatment that we haven't paid enough attention to the quality of treatment," said commissioner Daniel Hancock, who chaired the subcommittee for the study.
The commission's recommendations have been sent to the governor and the state legislature for consideration.
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