Drug Abuse: Studies Show Treatment Is Effective, but Benefits May Be Overstated.Statement of Marsha Lillie-Blanton, Associate Director, Health Services Quality and Public Health Issues, Health, Education and Human Services Division

摘要

In a 1996 survey, about 13 million Americans reported using illicit drugs in thepast month. Each year, as many as 11,000 deaths are linked to illicit drug use. To combat the nation's drug abuse problem, the federal government and states spend about $27 billion annually. Because drug abuse treatment is a significant component of the nation's drug control strategy, you asked us to examine the major research findings on drug abuse treatment effectiveness. My remarks today will focus on (1) the overall effectiveness of drug abuse treatment; (2) the methodological issues affecting drug abuse treatment evaluations; and (3) what is known about the effectiveness of specific treatment for herion, cocaine, and adolescent drug addiction. My comments are based on our review and synthesis of findings from major evaluations of drug abuse treatment effectivness.