The Costs and Benefits of Substance Abuse Treatment: Findings from the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study (NTIES)

This study seeks to quantify the costs and benefits of alcohol and drug abuse treatment and the resulting economic benefits to society. Using data from the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study (NTIES), and client questionnaires, estimates were made of the average costs per client in terms of crime-related costs, health care costs, and social welfare benefits in the 12 months prior to and after treatment. Estimates of average earnings for clients in the pre-treatment and post-treatment periods were calculated. Overall, the findings indicate modest changes in average health care costs (11% reduction per client) and earnings of substance abusers (9% increase) in the period after treatment. Essentially no change in welfare payments or Supplemental Security Income was found. However, large reductions in crime-related costs (about 75%) were found. Over 94 percent of the estimated treatment benefits were derived from the reductions in crime-related costs. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed. Included are: "Appendix A: Description of the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study and Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Demonstrations (1990-1992)"; "Appendix B: Cost Methodology"; "Appendix C: Treatment Costs"; "Appendix D: Health Care Utilization"; "Appendix E: Detailed Tables on Annual Earnings and Social Welfare Benefits"; and "Appendix F: Crime-Related Costs and Criminal Activity." (Contains 126 tables and 22 references.) (MKA)