This article covers a new substance abuse treatment initiative, which was announced by President Bush at his State of the Union address in 2004. This treatment initiative will provide $600 million in funds over the next three years for “Access of Recovery.” The funds will be dispersed in three increments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Many Americans currently don’t receive help as
they either can’t afford treatment or are unable to find the help that
they need.
Research shows that with treatment, even hard to reach
populations reduce their illegal drug use by close to half.
The President’s proposal will establish a state run voucher program, which is built on these principles:
(1) Consumer choice –
with a voucher, people who need treatment for addiction
will be able to select the providers and programs
that will help them the most.
(2) Results oriented – treatment effectiveness will
be linked to demonstration and measurement outcomes
such as no involvement with the criminal justice system,
gaining employment, and abstinence from drugs and
alcohol.
(3) Increased capacity – treatment support for
approximately 100,000 people per year. This will
expand services such as out-patient treatment, residential services,
community outreach, peer support, relapse
prevention, and other recovery related services.
States will have
flexibility in their design approach and will be required to use new
funds to supplement current funding and build on existing programs.
This program will help many Americans with substance abuse issues who
cannot afford treatment.
Reference: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/pro/a/blsam030614.htm
| 
Related Links 
By:Myrna Posted: Oct 13 2005 11:44:46 PM