Improve Treatment Quality

It is important for communities to have a long-term strategy to increase the use, availability, and quality of the treatment system.

Success can be measured through a broad range of patient improvements, increased length of stay, a better educated workforce, and clear expectations of performance measurements.

In alcohol and drug treatment, as in most other fields of health care, there is a wide gap between current practice and best possible results. However, research shows that treatment for drug and alcohol conditions, when properly delivered, can lead to significant reductions in drinking and drug use, and major improvements in physical and mental health and social functioning.

Rewarding Results: Improving the Quality of Treatment for People with Alcohol and Drug Problems

Join Together formed a national policy panel to address ways to improve treatment quality. The panelists developed recommendations based on original research papers on the state of the treatment system, a public hearing, and written or oral testimony and suggestions from more than 60 individuals and institutions.