How Common Is Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Across the U.S.?

Research Summary and Comments

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has specified a research-based set of core and wraparound services that should be provided in addiction treatment to enhance retention and outcomes. This study examined the extent to which 754 treatment centers across the United States made these services available to people they treated.

The average organization provided only 6.6 of the 14 services examined: 3.2 of the 5 core services (intake/assessment, random drug testing, self-help groups, pharmacotherapy, and continuing care services) and 3.4 of the 9 wraparound services (childcare, transportation assistance, treatment for HIV/AIDS, integrated care for dual diagnoses, and linkage with medical, employment, financial, family, and legal services).
None of the organizations provided all 14 services examined.
Government-operated and publicly funded nonprofits provided significantly more core and wraparound services than did privately funded nonprofits.

Comments by Mike Boyle, MA:
Claims of comprehensive addiction treatment services in the United States are far from reality. Since core and wraparound services increase retention and outcomes, clients, their families, and funding bodies (most importantly) should demand these services be provided. To increase receipt of these services, payors may need to add billing codes or change rate structures to cover the cost of providing wraparound services, and treatment organizations may need to strengthen collaboration with other providers of these services in their communities.

Reference:
Ducharme LJ, Mello HL, Roman PM, et al. Service delivery in substance abuse treatment: reexamining “comprehensive” care. J Behav Health Serv Res. 2007;34(2):121–137.