From the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control:
11. Finding: Traditionally, U.S. Presidents – through ONDCP – have divided drug demand reduction into two main categories: prevention and treatment. However, the Obama Administration has added a third area: recovery. For the first time ever, in its 2010 National Drug Control Strategy, ONDCP focused on the need to invest in recovery. Treatment for drug abusers usually takes place during a fixed period of time. However, recovery is a lifelong process.
Recommendation: The private sector should foster the development of businesses that positively affect the lives of people in recovery by increasing employment opportunities for them.
12. Finding: Residential treatment is a commonly used form of treatment. However, many states are facing a shortage of residential treatment beds. The shortage of beds is especially true for women with children seeking treatment. Last year, there were only 80 family-based treatment programs in the United States. Many of these programs have limits on the age of children women can bring with them as they receive treatment, further limiting access to care for women with children. The federal government does not have a precise measure for determining the shortage of residential drug treatment spaces.
SAMHSA administers a survey – the National Survey on Substance Abuse Treatment Services – of specialty treatment facilities, including residential facilities. This survey includes questions to determine the proportion of facilities that offer residential services and the number of beds available in such facilities. However, the survey is not able to provide an estimate of the demand for these beds. Most facilities do not track and record such information.
Recommendation: Across the country, there needs to be real time reporting on the demand for beds in residential treatment. There also needs to be a more rapid response in areas with bed shortages to ensure treatment is available when individuals request it.
13. Finding: Residential treatment programs are costly which often leads to individuals not receiving long enough treatment to stop their substance abuse dependency. Some residential treatment programs, such as the Delancey Street Foundation, are self-funded. The Delancey Street Foundation sustains itself by the work of residents who live on the premises and complete work in areas such as catering, holiday decor and moving services.
Recommendation: In the current difficult fiscal climate, residential treatment programs should look to the Delancey Street Foundation as a possible funding model that is self-sustaining without relying on federal, state and local funds.
Sound familiar?
[Thanks Matt]
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