Addressing Addiction: Improving & Integrating California's Substance Abuse Treatment System

Publication Date: March 2008

Publisher: Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy

Author(s):

Research Area: Health; Social conditions

Keywords: co-occurring disorders; mental health; substance abuse treatment; alcohol and drug treatment

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

This report contains two essential conclusions. First, California can reduce substance abuse, but it must adopt a new model to transform the way counties deliver treatment. Second, Proposition 36 has shown promise despite its flaws, and rather than throw it out, California can and should fix it.

In both areas, the key to moving forward is leadership, from the governor, working with the heads of agencies on a coordinated strategy for substance abuse treatment, and from the Legislature, to make the necessary legal changes and to ensure they are implemented.