DHHS, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment

This literature review summarizes the major findings from books, published articles, research and evaluation studies, and government documents (including "Web" publications) published since 1980, which focus on the cost effectiveness and cost benefits of substance abuse treatment. Cost effectiveness and cost benefit studies play an important role in evaluating existing and alternative substance abuse approaches and in assessing new treatment methods. Evaluating the outcomes and costs of treatment is necessary in order to determine how to more efficiently allocate scarce resources. This document is intended to assist policymakers, researchers/evaluators, and treatment providers interested in this field to identify and acquire evidence-based information specific to their interests. This review also explores trends and areas where there are gaps in the literature.

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